Bonde Mercado Year in Review:
The People and Places That Made Our First Year a Success
Bonde Mercado Year in Review:
The People and Places That Made Our First Year a Success
By Shontel Horne and Aaron Lewis
When we launched Bonde Mercado in September 2023, our goal was simple yet ambitious: to build a brand that celebrates the diversity and richness of Black diasporic culture through an African-American perspective. Inspired initially by the warmth and vibrancy of Kenya and Swahili Coast traditions, Bonde Mercado has grown to reflect the broader spectrum of Black American cultural influences, drawing from the Northeast, the South, and the West Coast. These inspirations are channeled through the creative visions of artists, makers, entrepreneurs, builders and we’ve helped bring them to life, here, in Philadelphia.
Over the past year, we’ve activated Bonde Mercado through a series of dynamic events, partnerships, and market activations. From pop-ups and dinners to retail collaborations and recurring markets, here’s a look back at the milestones that defined our inaugural year.
Dynamic Partnerships in Culture and Design
Collaboration and community are at the heart of Bonde Mercado, and our connection to Philadelphia has been a key part of that story. Through meaningful partnerships and cultural events, we’ve rooted ourselves in a city that mirrors our brand’s values of innovation, creativity, and inclusion.
CADO Market: September 2023
Our debut took place at the CADO Market, hosted at the historic Hatfield House in Fairmount Park. The house is located in Strawberry Mansion, a neighborhood that was once a thriving economic hub for Philadelphia and home to important Black Philadelphians like Henry Ossawa Tanner, Joseph Mander, and John Coltrane. Created by Debora Charmelus, CADO provided the perfect platform to introduce the Bonde Mercado Taste Box—a curated collection of items reflecting our brand’s ethos. The event’s vibrant energy and community focus set the tone for everything that followed.
Headhouse Shambles: October 2023
In October, we joined the Headhouse Shambles Halloween Market, offering treats and surprises for visitors of all ages hosted by South Street Headhouse CDC. This lively event introduced Bonde Mercado to a diverse audience, giving us the opportunity to share our brand’s unique spirit with South Street residents and visitors.
Trunc Retail Partnership: Fall 2023/Winter 2024
Our first retail partnership with Black-owned boutique Trunc in Northern Liberties marked a significant step in our journey. This collaboration expanded our reach to one of the Cities hottest, new neighborhoods and allowed us to showcase the Bonde Mercado Taste Box to a wider audience, further solidifying our place in the city’s creative ecosystem.
CADO Market with 7th Ward Tribute: February 2024
The first event of 2024 was particularly special. We reunited with CADO for a Black History Month market held at the historic Rex at the Royal on South Street. Owned by archaeologist and entrepreneur Jill Weber, the venue—formerly a Black theater—pays homage to its heritage with soul food dishes crafted by esteemed African-American chefs, an excellent example of adaptive reuse. This event underscored the deep cultural connections, heritage and legacy, that inspire our work.
Fairmount CDC, Brewerytown Sidewalk Social: July 2024
Bonde Mercado found a natural home in Brewerytown during the Fairmount CDC’s monthly Sidewalk Social. This community gathering was the perfect setting to debut our first original product: Iced Kenya Black Tea infused with Passion Fruit and Lime. We were able to bottle some essential flavors of Kenya and the Swahili coast, right here in Brewerytown. Engaging directly with our neighbors was a highlight of the summer, as we connected over shared tastes and stories.
Fairmount CDC, Brewerytown Sidewalk Social: August 2024
Following the success of our July appearance, we returned to the Sidewalk Social in August with bottled versions of our iced tea. After selling out once again, it became clear that this new product deserved a central place in the Bonde Mercado lineup.
Com.Unity “A Night Out with the Oxtail Exchange” at Bok Bar: August 2024
To wind down the summer, we were honored to join cultural innovator Roland Bui of Com.Unity and Chef Chaz Brown for the Oxtail Exchange, an Afro-Caribbean dining experience on the rooftop of Bok Bar. Here, we introduced our "Sweet and Heat" hot sauce and iced tea pairing, while sharing the stage with culinary talents like Nana Araba Wilmot, Yun Fuentes of Bolo, and Sashia Liriano.
Suite Life at the Touraine: November 2024
In partnership with our branding agency, Cohere, we took part in Suite Life, an exclusive activation at The Touraine—a short-term rental property managed by Spruce Street Commons. Known for restoring and preserving Philadelphia’s iconic buildings, Spruce Street Commons provided the perfect backdrop for this unique experience. Guests were welcomed into a Bonde Mercado-themed suite featuring Kenyan-inspired sounds and samples of our signature iced tea paired with hot sauce from our favorite vendors. It was a celebration of creativity, culture, and community in a unique, adaptive reuse setting.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our first year, we’re energized by what’s to come. In spring 2025, we’re introducing exciting new offerings like the Bonde Wellness and Bonde Home boxes. Our Kenya Black Iced Tea infused with Passion Fruit and Lime will enter its next phase, and we’re thrilled to announce a partnership with Baby’s on Girard this December.
Stay tuned as we continue to grow, innovate, and celebrate the beauty of Black diasporic culture. Thank you for being part of our journey—we couldn’t do it without you.
Header and Suite Life photos by Jordan Harris.