A Q and A with Bob Ray, Soulard Farmers Market Manager

Nobody knows Soulard Farmers Market like Market Manager Bob Ray, who has led operations at the market since 2021. In his role, Bob works to maintain the market and manage relationships with 100+ vendors, while welcoming thousands of customers each week. It’s safe to say Bob knows every nook and cranny of the market. 

He has a passion for its history, and that history will be celebrated at the market’s Founder’s Day Bluegrass Festival on August 29, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Bob also has a strong commitment to the market’s present place in the community, and a vision for its future.

We asked him to share some of those insights.

Q. What has allowed Soulard Market to survive for more than two centuries while so many historic markets disappeared?

A. The City of St. Louis is proud to operate Soulard Farmers Market, among the country’s oldest and most popular farmers markets and the longest continuously operating market west of the Mississippi.

The City continues to invest in the market. Last year, significant improvements were made to the market’s exterior, including electrical updates, new roofing, fascia, and soffit over the vendor wings, and tuckpointing of the entire market building. In addition, many of the architectural and style elements of the market which have become worn down by age and weather are being repaired and preserved.

In addition, our vendors are integral to the endurance of the market. Some of our farming families have sold their produce with us for generations.

Q. Soulard Market has been part of St. Louis through enormous changes. What has remained at the heart of the market despite those shifts?

The market holds a special place in the community as a historic landmark and tourist destination, as well as a centrally-located market where shoppers can find budget-friendly fresh foods, prepared foods, apparel, souvenirs, and other goods.

It is a place where vendors have the backing of a consistent and loyal customer base in a market that is open year-round.

The market offers a low-cost, low-risk setting. With affordable rent and a steady stream of customers, the market serves as a small business incubator and opportunity for entrepreneurs to build and refine a new business.
 

Q. How has the mix of vendors and products changed over the years?

In the last 20 years, the demographic makeup of Soulard Market changed from almost exclusively farm related and expanded to include mixed goods and food. Our farmers and produce vendors will always be anchors at the market. Yet shoppers appreciate the variety of goods offered here – all in one location. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, our vendors offer fresh meat and fish, baked goods, honey, candy, beverages, snacks, and prepared meals. Non-food vendors offer apparel, health and beauty accessories, fresh flowers, and crafts.

The mix of vendors has allowed the market to serve as a small business incubator and opportunity for entrepreneurs to build and refine a new business. For example, Freddie Lee’s Gourmet Sauces (now sold in 1,000 stores) and Lona’s Lil Eats, a 2019 James Beard semi-finalist, made their starts at the market and now have their own locations. 
 

Q. Soulard has long been a gathering place for the community. Why do you think the market has remained an important part of daily life in St. Louis?

We strive to be a welcoming place for our customers, neighbors, people living across the St. Louis region, and visitors from all over the world. Soulard Farmers Market truly has something for everyone. 
In addition, its setting is a great location – close to downtown St. Louis, and the market is a cornerstone in the Soulard neighborhood which is rich in historic preservation. Soulard Market Park is also connected to the market and includes several children’s playgrounds, a pavilion, benches, and an event courtyard for neighborhood summer concerts and events. 
 

Q. If someone only had an hour at Soulard Market, where should they go?

The market has 148 vendor stands, but even an hour is a good amount of time to stroll through the halls of the market and see them all. Some recommendations include a stop at the Soulard Spice Shop in the Grand Hall, a stop at one or more of our many produce vendors, a stop for a snack or a meal, and lastly, a Bloody Mary at Julia’s Market Café, named after Marie “Julia” Soulard who donated the land that hosts Soulard Farmers Market before her death in 1845.
 

Q. What do you hope visitors understand about St. Louis through Soulard Market beyond the food they find there?

St. Louis is rich in history, culture, and good food – and visitors can find all of that at Soulard Farmers Market. St. Louisans are known for Midwestern hospitality, and you’ll find a lot of that at the market as well. Our vendors work hard to offer their products and it shows in the quality of their goods and in their customer service. The market reflects the whole St. Louis community, both in vendor and customer composition.