By Jessica Akrasi
Piccadilly street food market traders are preparing to leave the market site as traders have been told by the council bosses to close their stalls on October 22nd.
Rita’s Reign, an Afro-Caribbean street food stall situated at Manchester’s Piccadilly Street Food Market, is one of the many stalls affected by the move. Although the closure has sparked sadness among staff many express their appreciation for the community the market has built over the years.
Rita’s Reign posted an announcement video on social media platforms last month to break the news to their followers sharing their disappointment at losing a place that has become home for the business. Founder Rita Lindsell said: “It’s very sad that we’re losing our home”.
Rita Lindsell has expressed concern about the potential impact the closure of the stall could have on her staff: “If they close us down, we cannot accommodate all our staff”.
Having operated for seven years, Rita’s Reign has become more than a food stall. For its staff and customers, it represents a sense of belonging. One stall worker echoed this sentiment, saying: “This is Community, this is heart, this is Manchester.”
The Manchester city council has confirmed that the market site is closing, however the closure is part of a wider change affecting traders within the Piccadilly Market losing a familiar gathering place and the negative effect the decision could have on local businesses and the people who rely on them. Isaac, Rita Lindsell’s son said: “It’s in pretty much the centre of the transport for all parts of Manchester and Greater Manchester so everyone’s passing by everyone’s getting food from so many different cultures.”
Despite the sadness surrounding the closure, Rita’s Reign is expected to continue at a new location in Manchester city centre. While the relocation offers hope for the future, the question of whether the business will be able to retain all its staff and maintain the community it has cultivated over the past seven years.
The business has acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating in its social media posts caption the “change is inevitable”. However Rita’s Reign and those connected to Piccadilly Market, the closure marks the end of an important chapter.
As the deadline fast approaches, the story of Rita’s Reign highlights the importance of independent businesses, local food culture and community spaces in Manchester. Although the stall may be leaving its current home, its staff and customers will hope that its spirit continues in its new location.