Meijer’s newest market features Cleveland Chain Reaction semifinalist vendors

East Side Cleveland residents now have easy access to groceries and opportunities to shop local.

The new 40,000-square-foot Fairfax Market opened Tuesday, carrying more than 2,000 local products from 150 local vendors, including three Cleveland Chain Reaction season 6 semifinalists — in addition to typical grocery good and household brands and products.

Owned by Michigan-based grocery store chain Meijer, Fairfax Market is the company’s fifth neighborhood market and first outside of Michigan.

Being on retail shelves is a goal Saidah Farrell, owner of Marshmallow of the Month Club and winner of Cleveland Chain Reaction season 6, has waited long to achieve.

 “The last 18 months I have taken advantage of the resources available through many local organizations that support entrepreneurs in Cleveland,” she says. “This opportunity is truly bigger than me.”

Farrell is excited to grow her company in the retail space.

In addition to food products, the market also features a local health and beauty section, where Laura Manning, CEO of LaJAshley, another Cleveland Chain Reaction semifinalist, is proud to see her line of natural and vegan beauty products.

 “[Having my product at the Fairfax Market] opens doors to a broader audience and enhances the visibility of my brand within the community,” she says. “I’m eager to see the positive impact it will have on my business and the community.”

 Tamara Mlynowski’s Zuzu Chocolates is the third Cleveland Chain Reaction semifinalist business at the market. Not only does the business sell handmade chocolates and desserts, but Mlynowski also donates a portion of the profits to Alzheimer’s research.

Store director Alan Jordan’s goal for the market is to make it more than a grocery store, but rather a hub for the community. The market will create close to 50 full and part-time jobs.

“We have an amazing opportunity to do things like healthy cooking demonstrations, or healthy shopping trips,” Jordan says. “[We want to do] fun things like how to build a charcuterie tray and also help support local vendors.”

The 54-seat café features grab-and-go options from Saucy Coffee and Hissho Sushi. Free 90-minute parking is available next to the market. Located at 2190 E. 105^th St., the is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“We’re very fortunate to be able to come to this community here in Fairfax and offer [residents] the opportunity to learn, to gather and to shop for products that they need and deserve,” Jordan says.