Founded and co-owned by longtime friends and native Valley girls Megan Gefsky, Deborah Saly, and Jordyn Grohl, who all grew up not far from the lodge, the market is a collection of their experiences, passions and expertise. From high school to baby classes, the trio has bonded over incredible food and have become self-proclaimed foodies and dedicated moms together. Honing in on their individualized skills, together these three friends are changing the way the Valley is perceived. Hospitality veteran and event organizer Megan Gefsky leads the business with her extensive restaurant experience and was first to propose a more elevated outdoor dining experience for the San Fernando Valley. Creative force and event manager Jordyn Grohl, married to Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl, brings her love of food and vast cultural experience, history in production, and interior design skills to the market. Loyola Law School grad and current Vice President of Legal Affairs for a NASDQ-traded company, Deborah Saly oversees the legal and structural end with her expertise in business law garnered from almost 20 years of intimately representing companies across vast industries.
Valley Urban Market is an open-air, family-friendly, food experience held weekly at the iconic Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City, CA. Hosting nearly 20 local culinary vendors including celebrity chefs and exciting pop-ups, the market is an inspiring outdoor twist on the food hall and a beacon for surrounding neighbors, families, and friends to gather and mull around together on the weekend. From BBQ, tacos, seafood, boba to artisanal coffee and ice cream, Valley Urban Market curates the finest eating experience from savory to sweet for all budgets. Valley Urban Market will debut on Saturday, September 22nd.
Clean, modern and hip, Valley Urban Market, or VῡM, is redefining Saturdays. As a DJ spins in the background, guests can revel in face-painting, balloon art, glitter tattoos, and a photo booth. Natural green, white, turquoise, pink, yellow, and orange hues pop as the event space is transformed into a late 50’s kitsch meets Palm Springs resort culinary escape.
Valley Urban Market is on a mission to support small, cutting-edge, start-up businesses that deliver amazing culinary products, all the while taking locals out of their standard Saturday routines. Its ethos is to work with vendors who believe in using local, organic, and minimally-processed ingredients whenever possible. Many vendors will also serve up vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, and other alternatives.
A percentage of VῡM’s weekly proceeds will be donated to Valley Food Bank.