Reading Terminal Market Celebrates 130 Years of Feeding Philadelphia

The iconic Philadelphia food hall continues to evolve while honoring its history and community roots.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Reading Terminal Market, a 130-year-old public market in the heart of Philadelphia, has become an indispensable part of the city's identity. Despite facing challenges over the decades, the market has persevered and adapted, maintaining its status as a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. With a focus on family-owned businesses, diverse food offerings, and a central location, the Reading Terminal Market has cemented its place as a true Philadelphia institution.

Why it matters

The Reading Terminal Market's longevity and evolution reflect the changing nature of Philadelphia itself. As the city has grown and transformed, the market has remained a constant, serving as a gathering place and source of community pride for generations of Philadelphians. Its ability to adapt while preserving its unique character and mission-driven approach offers lessons for other historic institutions seeking to remain relevant in the modern era.

The details

The Reading Terminal Market opened in 1893 and was originally designed as a grid-like public market to facilitate the easy receiving and shipping of goods. Over the decades, it has weathered economic downturns and the threat of closure, but has consistently reinvented itself to meet the changing needs of the city. Today, the market houses 80 family-owned businesses offering everything from Amish baked goods and fresh produce to ethnic cuisine, crafts, and more. The nonprofit that runs the market has resisted turning it into a generic food hall, instead focusing on supporting owner-operators and maintaining the market's distinct character.

  • The Reading Terminal Market opened its doors on February 22, 1893.
  • The market will celebrate its 133rd anniversary in February 2026.

The players

Annie Allman

The general manager and CEO of the Reading Terminal Market Corporation, the nonprofit that runs the market.

Yvonne Brown-Whyatt

A Philadelphia native who now works at the Reading Terminal Market, having grown up knowing the market as a special place in the city.

Matthew Moskovitz

A Fairmount resident who considers the Reading Terminal Market one of the best places in the world to be hungry.

Angel Chen

The co-owner of Bao & Bun Studio, one of the market's newest vendors.

Sam Chen

The co-owner of Bao & Bun Studio, who describes the Reading Terminal Market as a "big family" that serves diverse food cultures.

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What they’re saying

“The Reading Terminal Market is one of those touchpoints for native Philadelphians. We've been feeding Philadelphia for that entire time.”

— Annie Allman, General Manager and CEO, Reading Terminal Market Corporation (CBS News)

“When I was a kid, we grew up knowing about the Reading Terminal. My mother couldn't afford it back in the day. We went to the Italian Market. When I got older, I promised myself I would start coming here shopping. Now I work here. … This is a great place to be, to work, and you meet people in here from all around the world.”

— Yvonne Brown-Whyatt, Reading Terminal Market Employee (CBS News)

“Reading Terminal is unique compared to a lot of other places that do similar things like this, just because of the history that was here. This was the Reading Terminal of the Reading Railroad. This is almost a relic of a different era, from where trains were on top and farmers, they would ship their produce into here.”

— Matthew Moskovitz (CBS News)

“Reading Terminal is over 130 years old. You need to be not just good, you have to be perfect to get in this place, because a lot of competitors and every vendor, every merchant is unique.”

— Angel Chen, Co-owner, Bao & Bun Studio (CBS News)

“Reading Terminal Market for us is like a big family, and they serve a lot of different kinds of food culture here, and everyone works here like a friend, like a family.”

— Sam Chen, Co-owner, Bao & Bun Studio (CBS News)

What’s next

The Reading Terminal Market will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of Philadelphia, while maintaining its status as a beloved community institution. As the market celebrates its 133rd anniversary in 2026, it will likely find new ways to honor its history while embracing the future.

The takeaway

The enduring success of the Reading Terminal Market demonstrates the power of preserving a city's unique character and supporting local, independent businesses. As urban centers continue to change, the market's ability to adapt while staying true to its roots offers a model for other historic institutions seeking to remain relevant and connected to their communities.