Meet Artie’s; Italian market in Hamilton expands and rebrands

Hamilton | Food | Food Openings | New Openings |

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Published February 13, 2023 at 10:28 pm

An Italian specialty market that Hamilton foodies rate as tutto delizioso is doubling its offerings and storefront.

Located at 170 Locke St. in the west downtown, Pasta Mercato has expanded into the neighbouring storefront and rebranded as Artie’s, effective Tuesday. The expansion will enable the market to offer coffee, pastry and pizzas to complement its menu of fresh-made pasta and sandwiches. (Imported Italian groceries are also sold at the store.)

Chef-owners — and spouses — Roman and Melanie Kremnev, originally opened under the Mercato name in mid-2021 on Locke. Competition for Hamiltonians’ hearts and food budget along that bikable, walkable haven in the west downtown is rather fierce, but the Kremnevs’ culinary efforts have earned a 4.8-stars rating (out of 5) on Google Reviews — and repeat business.

“In the current space, we’re making as much product as we can and regularly run out,” Roman Kremnev said in a media release. “With this expansion we can make more of what people are looking for and some exciting new things.

“I’m not Italian, but I’ve always loved Italian food and the culture around it: simple, ingredients-first food that brings people
together,” Kremnev added. “Our regulars often come in three or four times a week.”

As Artie’s, it’s stated selling points are to have an accessible price-point for quality bread, pasta and other foods made on site. Whatever cannot be made to their standards of quality and price is imported. The menu is touted as “vegetable-forward with twists on Italian classics,” and Kremnev said the added space will help deeper partnerships with local food groers.

“Artie’s let’s us be more creative with our offerings so we can give our regulars even more of what they want. With more space, we can work closer with local farmers like Backyard Harvest and reserve palates of vegetables in advance of the season.”

Artie’s donates leftovers to community fridge programs. It also participates in Too Good To Go, where food businesses list surplus food as a “surprise bag” and local residents can buy it at about one-third the retail price.

More information about Artie’s menu and plans is available through Instagram (@shop.arties).

(Photos: Artie’s.)

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