The Story Of Marchet Sparks

Marchet Sparks, owner and founder of Le Petit Marche

A hotplate, 2 electric skillets, a home-use 12-cup Mr. Coffee pot and a Foreman grill were all part of the humble beginnings of Le Petit Marche, a neighborhood market turned Atlanta destination.

On the eve of its 9th anniversary, the little market remembers the not-so-distant past of nearly going out of business and shyly welcomes the stream of recognition and accolades. Owner, Marchet Sparks, a Los Angeles transplant, recalls the day when her bank account was a shocking $181. "At this point, I literally lost everything and had to move from home-ownership to renting a room from a friend for nearly 3 years. I settled into a long partnership of depression and alcoholism all while suiting up and showing up for work everyday." After many crucial sacrifices and adjustments, Sparks shifted her focus from mostly retail pantry fare to what was keeping the lights on: her small kitchenette serving tasty lunch sandwiches.

Even while struggling, she held to her dream that the market had great potential and with strong community support and the addition of breakfast, the concept began to stick. "I have an affinity towards Kirkwood and nearby areas for standing by me in the early years. They believed in me and saw the enormous efforts being made by a close-knit family determined to survive."

Sparks is not only surviving but thriving with 2 expansions under her belt and a Westside franchise on the way. "It amazes me to this day how far I've come. Now, nearly 4-years sober, I am proof that adaptability, belief in oneself, support from family and friends, patience and a little faith can turn things around."

With Mom's homemade soups / baked goods and with Pop greeting customers with a sweet genuine smile, a dining experience at Le Petit Marche is like snuggling up with your favorite blanket. It's familiar, it's cozy, it's home.

Q & A With Marchet

1. Can you tell us a little bit more about your relationship with your amazing parents? Did you get inspiration to open Marche from your Mom's homemade recipes?

My parents are my main source of inspiration. Happily married for nearly 50 years, they taught me how to stay the course, to be flexible. Since my earthly beginning, they have always been supportive of my endeavors no matter how wild or crazy! They taught me the art of compromise and above all else, to keep the faith. My grandmother was completely illiterate and could not read or write but she carved out a living as a cook and passed that knowledge down to my mom an ultimately to me. I credit these wonderful people for shaping my life; a direct reflection of Le Petit Marche.

2. What is your one piece of advice to someone who is a small business owner or aspires to open a small business?

The best advice I can give to someone starting a small business is to be willing to learn and not assume to know everything. Be discerning all while letting others help you. Be open to advice. Pay attention to what works and build on that! It may take you in a different direction than you anticipated but the ultimate goal is to have a successful business and to have a balanced, happy life, right?!?

3. Lastly, do you have any more information on the westside franchise? Potential location and opening date?

A Westside franchise is in the making off Northside drive near the new stadium. We are hoping to be open in a year. Stay tuned!

Khalil Thompson 8/25/16 Khalil Thompson 8/25/16

Pullman Yard - Historic Site?

According to recent news, there is an effort to vote the Pullman Yards as a historic site.

If the Pullman Yards are deemed as 'historic', this will mean that the developers will most likely find a way to preserve the buildings. This is a change to recent proposals that plan to develop the space with housing, retail, and green spaces. The potential of this title could completely change the direction of the future development.

As Atlanta City Councilperson Natalyn Archibong says : “The real end game is to preserve our history,” Archibong said. “The hope is the developer, or whoever would come in, would have a proposal to utilize or bring those buildings back into some utility.”

Check out the full history of the Pullman Yards below as we continue to dream about what the future holds for this space!

“Check out the full history of the Pullman Yard, according to Creative Loafing, here :

1904: Pratt Engineering, a parts manufacturer for sugar and fertilizer processing plants, opens the plant on a plot of farmland.

1917: Property makes munitions used by soldiers in World War I.

1922: The Chicago-based Pullman Company buys the 28-acre property and turns it into a rail car repair station.

1920s: In a segregated South, Pullman’s Atlanta shop manager begins recruiting black workers from local porters and car cleaners. The company becomes one of the largest employers of black Americans in the country.

1954: Pullman closes its Atlanta shop.

1970s-‘90s: The land passes through several different owners, including Georgia Power and Southern Iron and Equipment Company.

1992: The state purchases the property for $1.6 million and makes it the home of the New Georgia Railroad train.

2008: State puts property up for bid, but rejects two offers and takes it off the market.

2011-12: Fast Five and Hunger Games: Catching Fire, among others movies, film at the property.

2013: The state says it will consider putting Pullman Yard up for bid next year.

”

— creative loafing

Khalil Thompson 7/21/16 Khalil Thompson 7/21/16

Greater Good BBQ - Opening Soon!

In 2007 potential plans were talked about for a new commercial development at 2nd avenue and Hosea Williams Drive. Unfortunately, due to the recession any progress on this project was left to just a dream. Since then, there have been talks of several different potential retail concepts and ideas but it wasn't until last year that this corner was officially announced as a new home to four new restaurants.

This corner is finally taking shape and huge progress is being made, specifically with the second location of Greater Good BBQ. This restaurant is a huge success at it's original location in Tucker and it is a very exciting addition to the East Lake community! This will be a place that families can walk to and enjoy dinner with their neighbors. We are counting down until the grand opening!

In addition to Greater Good BBQ, there will be three additional restaurants in this development. One of which was announced earlier this year, Poor Hendrix, which will be small bites and bar type restaurant.

Eight years in the making... the vacant corner on second and Hosea is turning into a place for the community to gather and create great memories! We are so excited!