Reading Terminal Market GM stepping down to run for City Council

Paul Steinke will step down as the general manager of the Reading Terminal Market at the end of the year after 13 years at the helm of the 122-year-old public market. He's setting his sights on a new challenge — running for city councilman-at-large next year.

"It's very bittersweet. This truly has been a passion of mine for the past 13 years and the focus of my professional life," Steinke said. "I get up every day and come to work hoping to find new ways to strengthen the market and make it more successful. To suddenly have that removed from my daily life will be a difficult adjustment for sure."

The market's board of directors will be conducting a nationwide search for Steinke's successor. The announcement will be made early next year. The next general manager will focus on keeping the market competitive as Center City continues its revitalization, Steinke said.

"The repositioning of The Gallery will bring more people to the neighborhood, presenting an opportunity," he said. "At the same time, with the growth of Center City's residential population, there are rumblings about specialty groceries opening in this neighborhood, and we need to make sure we protect and grow our piece of the pie in serving this neighborhood while keeping true to our mission."

For now, Steinke isn't discussing his upcoming City Council campaign or his platform issues. He plans to release that information after the new year.

At Reading Terminal, Steinke's biggest accomplishments was overseeing the market's $4 million renovation and expansion project, which repurposed the eastern third of the market. It included more storage for back-of-house purposes, additional retail space, larger restrooms, and other amenities like the rebranded City Kitchen and private event space Rick Nichols Room.

Francis Hilario covers hospitality, restaurants and takes on general assignments and breaking news.