PEORIA MAGAZINE October 2023

Braker’s has an extensive deli with nearly 30 types of deli meat and 45 types of cheese

Jamie McFarlin, president of the Eure ka Business Association, said the market is a great asset to the community. ‘PROBABLY THE BEST THING: EVERY SINGLE PERSON IS SINCERE AND KIND AND TAKES CARE OF YOU ’ — Robyn Reinmann “We are very excited they are here,” she said. “They have a lot of support from the community. They stock things that aren’t necessarily able to be found in our community, and in bulk,” she said. “And the quality of items they offer for retail is really amazing.” Having the market “on this side of the river” makes it convenient, too, she said. Talk to customers of Braker’s Market and there’s a recurring theme: variety, friendliness, cleanliness, quality.

“We’ve been coming here since it opened,” said Holly Bour of Washing ton, who was shopping with her mom, Kathy Urban of Peoria. “It’s amazing all the unique things you can get here and the packaged dry goods and spices. Oh, and the candy. We love the candy aisle.” “It’s a fun place to come,” added Ur ban. “I always tell her when it’s time to make a run. And the deli and the prices are fabulous.” Shannon Isbell of Morton and Robyn Reinmann of Normal work in Metamora and make regular lunch runs to Brak er’s. “The quality. Everything is really good, and quick,” Reinmann said. “I love the grab-and-go deli meat and cheeses,” added Caroline Raney of Eu reka. “You can just grab the amount you need to feed the number you need … But probably the best thing: Every single person is sincere and kind and takes care of you. They make you feel good about coming in.”

Phil Braker appreciates that kind of feedback. “I told people I didn’t know if any one would walk in the doors when we opened,” he said. “Well, they did. Now the biggest thing is to listen to those customers.”

Lisa Coon is a Peoria native who had a long career in the newspaper industry before moving into marketing and communications

26 OCTOBER 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE