A neighborhood staple for thirteen years under its former name, Sophia’s on Market, new owner Megan Seiferth has continued this legacy while rebranding with her own spin that has been well received by the local community. Market has positioned itself as a delicious and healthy option for breakfast, lunch, and catering services Tuesday through Friday, followed by Saturday brunch.
Seiferth grew up in the kitchen surrounded by talented women. Her mother and aunt were culinary school graduates, resulting in elaborate home cooked dishes and a job working in her aunt’s bakery by the age of thirteen. Describing the formative role food played in her childhood, Seiferth recalls, “As a kid, my brother and I would watch Julia Child’s cooking show on the weekends instead of cartoons.” After holding various jobs in every aspect of the food and beverage industry, she decided it was time to follow in their footsteps and enrolled in culinary school for pastry arts.
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Joining Sophia’s On Market as the head pastry chef paved the way for Seiferth to learn Greek baking techniques such as the delicate art of Greek sweet bread. Serving in this role for more than twelve years, Seiferth had full reign over the bakery, positioning her to take over the business at the end of 2018 when owner Sophia Nelms wanted to shift her focus to her other location, Sophia’s at Walden. Seiferth combined her years of experience, mentoring from Nelms, and her own vision to rebrand just enough that loyal customers would still feel at home and able to procure their favorite breakfast staples while allowing her own creativity with the menu to take center stage.
The result of the renovation is a clean and modern interior that still manages to exude a cozy and comfortable atmosphere; a balance that perfectly emulates the menu. Seiferth explains that the design is meant to be chic enough to feel clean and comfortable while remaining understated to showcase the food and service. Facing a pandemic in her first year of ownership was a challenge she never anticipated, but one that was met with community support. She explains, “When we shifted to curbside takeout for a time, our regulars kept us open with orders and made our presence on Market Street feel valued.”
With a collaborative and innovative team, customers can expect daily specials for soups, salads, and sandwiches which are updated on their website each morning. Seiferth recommends first timers try out popular menu items such as the Avocado Toast with smashed avocado, roasted tomatoes, sea salt, red pepper flakes, and cracked black pepper. Selecting the option to add the poached egg on top takes it to the next level. The loyal customer go-to is the quiche of the day which can be paired with fresh fruit or roasted potatoes.
For lunch, Seiferth recommends the Crispy Chicken on toasted brioche or one of their soups featuring their stock made from scratch daily. She shares that her personal favorite menu item is comfort food turned up a notch. The Market Grilled Cheese features sharp cheddar, provolone, goats cheese, and roasted tomato all melted between hearty slices of sourdough.
Saturday brunch has quickly become their most popular meal of the week. It includes table service, mixers for those wanting to BYO, and a menu that accommodates both traditional breakfast eaters and adventurous foodies. From the Crème Brûlée French Toast with Grand Marnier battered brioche, fresh seasonal berries, and warm maple syrup to the more traditional stack of pancakes, it is a must for avid brunch goers and families alike.
Seiferth and her team take pride in being a neighborhood cafe. “I love Market Street and how much it continues to grow. More competition keeps coming in, and I welcome it as both a challenge and a positive for our community,” she explains. Whether you’re local to Camp Hill or farther away, it is well worth venturing out of your own neighborhood to dine at Market. Be sure to grab a few fresh baked pastries to take back home.
Market
3700 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011 | 3700market.com
