North Market Spices
About North Market Spices:
Ben Walters started North Market Spices to round out the culinary experience at the North Market. He noticed there was amazing seafood, meat, poultry, cheese, bread, & veggies, but no seasonings to complete the meal. Boasting spices of the highest quality and freshness backed by certificates of authenticity, North Market Spices carries over 400 unique spices that use precise measurements to achieve their amazing blends. They have the retail location as well as a wholesale distribution center to ship the spices nationwide.
How Did The Idea Come About?
One night while Ben and some friends were enjoying a bowl of Pho, they noticed a vendor had randomly & permanently closed. Ben commented, “I hope they put a spice store in, so I can stop hoofing all over town and through the internet to get the spices I need to make my rub.” Everyone in the group was like, “that’s a great idea!” So, I went up to the office, got an application, jumped through the hoops and opened in August of 2010. Seeing how the North Market has fresh meats, seafood, poultry, cheese, veggies, and bread, Ben saw a way to complete the full culinary experience at the North Market and complement other merchants’ offerings.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being a Part of The North Market?
First, Ben loves that he gets to be creative on a daily basis and always looking to add and grow his spice catalog. Second, he loves to help curate the dining experience for shoppers. He is more than happy to talk to and ask questions to tailor spices to their specific meal. The sense of support from the community and customers really make it feel like family.
What are 4 spices that are Must Have in every kitchen?
Ben says there are a few spices that should be a staple in everyone’s kitchen. They are:
- Steak & Chop
- General Season Salt
- Greek
- Sazon
Ben’s two favorite spices are Paprika due the versatility and Cumin due to its depth of flavor.
Story of North Market Spices and Ben Walters:
Let’s talk about the Spice Wizard. Ben Walters, an active longboarding single dad of two, turned a spice creating hobby into a thriving career & legacy with North Market Spices. It started by creating BBQ spice rubs. Ben is a self proclaimed food nerd & an avid cook. When not cooking, a few of Ben’s favorite local eateries include: Paris Banh Mi, Basi Italia, & CM Chicken & if there is a whiff of a Chili’s, he’ll be there enjoying one of his favorite guilty pleasures, the southwest eggrolls. After attending Arizona State, he moved back to Columbus & ran the visitor center for Experience Columbus for a few years. He realized he needed a solution for spices as his destinations were often either too far or already closed by the time he could get there. While still at Experience Columbus, Ben started North Market Spices. The quality of his spices being backed by certificates of authenticity & his precise blends complimented the other merchants products at the market. Efficiently run with four employees including himself, Ben has the retail location at the North Market, but also a wholesale & distribution center to allow people from all over to enjoy his creations. North Market Spices also supplies spices to other merchants in the North Market like COLO and Hoyo’s, to name a few. Outside of the market, Ben also supplies spices to many local Columbus restaurants like Preston’s, Ritzy’s and Ray-Rays BBQ. So next time you’re at North Market, swing by North Market Spices. Ben might just ask what you’re cooking—and hand you the perfect spice to make it unforgettable.
Special thanks to videographer Matchbox Ltd!
Phone:
(614) 981-4440
Website:
Merchant's operating hours:
Sunday & Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.