LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's Logan Street Market in the Shelby Park neighborhood just celebrated a milestone — four years in business. 

But as some businesses continue to get back on their feet coming out of the pandemic, Logan Street has thrived — helping small businesses grow and launching several expansions.

One of those businesses is FOKO.

"We specialize in southern-inspired Mexican breakfast and lunch," FOKO's Operating Manager Joshua Gonzalez said. 

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Foko restaurant, across the street from Logan Street Market in Louisville's Shelby Park neighborhood. (WDRB photo/Friday, Jan. 12. 2024)

FOKO is one of more than two dozen locally-owned businesses that launched inside the Logan Street Market when it opened.

"We opened with the market, so we opened in October of 2019," said Gonzalez.

He said the business hit the ground running.

"When the market first started, it was the coolest thing in town," he said. 

But then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

"I think it was March 16, or 17, is when they announced that everything would be closing down," Gonzalez said. "So it just completely shifted."

After surviving the pandemic, the owners of FOKO decided it was time to grow.

"The lines were getting super long," said Gonzalez.

They found the perfect space, just across the street from the market.

"We've had quite a few businesses that have moved out of the market, but also who've just expanded in the market," said Medora Safai.

Safai founded Logan Street Market, and said it has been a great place for entrepreneurs to grow and build their customer base.

"It's been really a flexible space for a lot of different business models," Safai said.

It's also provided space for businesses looking to downsize.

"Kind of so they can just focus on their marketing, focus on their menu, focus on their cost of goods, getting their labor straightened out, getting their systems in place," said Safai.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez also owns the La Pana Bakery inside the market. 

"Logan Street Market has been a good launching pad for our concepts," he said. 

If all goes as planned, there will be another moving day soon.

"We'll be bringing La Pana here this summer, the bakery," said Gonzalez.

With Shelby Park considered a food desert, those behind Logan Street Market are planning on bringing a grocery store to the space in the next few months. It will replace the Bodega that was once in the fresh air hall of the market.

It's Louisville's first public market, 25,000-square-feet of space with more than 25 locally owned and operated food, beverage and retail shops. The market also has a bar and hosts various events such as live music, block parties, workshops and more.

Logan Street Market is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours vary for food and beverage vendors. For more information about the market, including hours, a map, and a list of vendors, click here.

For more information about FOKO, including a menu and online ordering, click here. 

For more information about La Pana Bakery or to order online, click here.

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