9. Subsidized rent and smaller spaces lets food entrepreneurs make their business dreams a reality

Photo courtesy Nina LoSchiavo/Lower East Side Partnership

New York City’s Economic Development Corporation, which now manages the market, is always on the lookout for mom-and-pop shops and new business owners to join the vendor community. When there’s a good fit, the city subsidizes their rent and provides other services to help support their business. Osaka Grub and Arancini Bros., which both found success on the street food circuit (think Broadway Bites and Hester Street Fair), opened their first brick-and-mortar locations at Essex Street Market.