From six stalls to a social hub: The secret to Rusty's success
From Hollywood stars to local farmers, Rusty's Market has spent 50 years cultivating more than just fresh produce in the heart of Cairns.
From a six stall market to a thriving social hub in the centre of the Cairns CBD, Rusty’s Market has come a long way in 50 years.
Rusty’s Market general manager Justin Welch said while it was great to see the market evolve through the years, the heart of it remained the same.
“So my understanding of Rusty’s is, it started 50 years ago in Cairns’ tropical market, but then it’s moved to this location, I’ve been here eleven years myself and it’s a way bigger enterprise than what it used to be at 180 stalls now,” Mr Welch said.
“But it’s always been the same idea that locals come, get together, have a coffee, have some food, but also buy obviously lovely fruit and veg and heaps of other stuff.”
In addition to a being a thriving community hub, Rusty’s Markets has also played host to local and Hollywood icons in recent years, including visits from American actor Pete Davidson to political figures like Bob Katter.
Mr Welch said part of the reason Rusty’s remained successful was a combination of its uniqueness to the region, focus on local producers and the connections fostered through the market.
“I think people like the fact a lot of stuff comes straight from the farms and people like to get the best deal when they buy their food and veg,” he said.
“But also there’s a big, big segment of people who don’t even buy fruit and veg per se, they come in to just meet, have coffee, eat and chat. It’s a meeting ground.”
Petals and Parks stall owner Debbie Lee, who has sold wares at Rusty’s for over a decade, said the people made the market what it is.
“A lot of people are just very family orientated … it’s nice when you see people and they come back and ask how you’re going and it becomes a friendship, it’s like a family affair,” Ms Lee said.
Rusty’s regular Christine Freeman said coming to Rusty’s on a Friday was one of the happiest parts of her week, since moving to the Far North seven years ago.
“The freshness and everything here, it makes me feel good,” Ms Freeman said.
“I love it here, I always do, it makes me feel happy going to Rusty’s, it’s a lovely market and all the stall owners are really nice, and the people and the fresh food.”
To celebrate, Rusty’s Market’s held a special anniversary raffle on Saturday, November 15.
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Originally published as From six stalls to a social hub: The secret to Rusty's success
