The Market Cafe has been a shared dream by three separate owners and fueled by the passion of countless employees, friends and family. This is our story.

          Founded in 2005 by Leigh Urwiler, the cafe was a local fan favorite. With its fresh ingredients, local flavor and unique environment it’s easy to see why the business was loved by so many patrons. Growing up, Leigh was introduced to fine dining at home by her mother and nights out with her family. At 14 she took a job at Landis Store Hotel where her love for food continued to flourish for the next decade. After high school Leigh attended Northampton Community College where she studied culinary arts. Leigh worked various jobs in the culinary field and  after running a stand at the Renninger’s Farmer’s Market she moved her operation to the Topton Train Station in 2005. The Market Cafe was born, and continued under Leigh’s ownership until 2012.

          During this time period Alex Beach started as a dishwasher at the age of 17 with the referral of Mat Richards. Alex worked off and on for Leigh for 2 years and eventually decided to split ways. When he left, his younger sister Jillian took his place as dishwasher and worked her way through the ranks over the course of a few short years. In early 2012 the business was up for sale. There was interest from outside buyers but nothing seemed to work out. With the cafe in jeopardy Jillian was offered the cafe and shortly after Alex decided to join in to help. On December 19th 2012 The Market Cafe reopened under their ownership.

The cafe under went subtle changes to accommodate the needs of the new ownership but never lost sight in its history.

          “We’ve had the absolute pleasure of working under Leigh, learning from her and continuing her legacy”. “We have dreams of expansion in the near future while continuing to offer our customers the same experience they’ve grown accustomed to”. “We can’t thank everyone enough for all the love and support”. “We plan to continue this mission, grow, learn and live our lives on our own terms”.

Thank you,

Alex & Jill