Parkit Market Prepares For Green Festivities

Every year in March, the little family-run grocery on Greenville Avenue gears up for its biggest day. Sure, the fresh hot and cold deli sandwiches are always a draw, but a list of more than 600 kegs is a siren's song when it comes to St. Patrick's Day festivities.

This year, Parkit Market is 50 years old -- which makes it 17 years older than the St. Patrick's Day Parade -- but you'd never know it by taking a step inside. The Todora family, who have run the store since opening it in 1962 -- and Lauren Drewes Daniels has a great look at the store's history over on City of Ate today -- have kept spirits and customer service high as Parkit Market responsibilities have been passed down from parent (original proprietors Ann "Mom" and Frank "Pop" Todora) to child (Tony Todora and his five siblings).

This St. Pat's, however, proves particularly special. According to a press release, while DJ Chris LaBarba spins outside the store from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., "Mom" Todora will be serving up hot dogs to parade goers ... while she celebrates her 90th birthday. If that's not a work ethic worthy of recognition, we don't know what is.

Speaking of recognition, in her profile the LDD also offered a choice anecdote resulting from Tony Todora emailing Mark Cuban his gratitude for a clutch move:

"Basically, I wanted to drop him a note to thank him for saving the parade," Tony said. "As an entrepreneur, I'm sure he understands how important the parade is to a small business. I told him we have a keg of green beer for him with his name on it. What's funny is, he sent me back an email in 10 minutes. I was shocked. And he wrote, 'Tony, I know who you are. I used to buy my kegs from you back in the day.'"

For those throwing down present-times, Tony Todora reminds patrons to order and pick-up kegs early, so they won't get caught in the shiny green melee that Greenville Avenue will become Saturday: "It’s best to pick-up on Friday (March 16) evening or around 8 a.m. on Saturday before the crowds ensue."

And yes, a free keg tab is still provided, and a complimentary tub if you spring for 40 pounds of ice. View available kegs here, but be warned, you're going to need to carve out some time.

· Parkit Market [Official]
· At Parkit Market, Sitting Front Row for the Greenville St. Patrick's Day Parade [City of Ate]
· St. Patrick's Day Coverage on Eater Dallas [-EDFW-]

Ann "Mom" Todora will celebrate her 90th birthday serving outside the Parkit Market Saturday. [Photo: Courtesy of Parkit Market]

Parkit Market

4724 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206