Spending an afternoon with Joe Chilelli at the Mohawk Valley Community Market in Herkimer feels less like a visit and more like an introduction to a story still unfolding.
Born in Italy and brought to the United States at just two years old, Joe carries his heritage with intention, but here, it is thoughtfully focused. As owner of Mohawk Valley Community Market, he has transformed a historic former department store into a vibrant, 30,000-square-foot destination built around local vendors, curated retail, and a renewed sense of place.
Throughout the market, antiques, collectibles, vintage finds, and new items fill the space across multiple levels. Vendors like Renewed and Reused contribute to the character of the market, while Joe has also introduced a beautiful selection of antique and like-new furniture on the first floor, creating an inviting entry point that immediately sets the tone for discovery.
After descending the building’s original staircase and weaving through even more collectibles, the atmosphere shifts into a carefully preserved culinary experience tied directly to the building’s history. Tucked into the lower level is Munger’s 1918 Luncheonette, where Italian-inspired offerings nod to both Joe’s roots and the legacy of the original Munger’s Department Store. Tables are detailed with newspaper clippings and historic photographs from the department store’s early years, offering a glimpse into the building’s past. Joe even shares that when original light fixtures were discovered in the basement, he worked to have them carefully replicated, preserving continuity and honoring the character of the space.
“It’s the Mohawk Valley’s best-kept secret,” Joe says.
Stone-oven baked personal pizzas are crafted using imported Italian flour and high-quality olive oils. Flavor combinations range from prosciutto with fresh arugula and a balsamic drizzle to rotating specials. One standout features a fried egg, plant zucchini, and pesto, rich, balanced, and memorable.
The Italian market adjacent to the luncheonette extends this experience with intention. Sfogliatelle are shipped directly from Naples, while Italian pasta and specialty items arrive from Brooklyn. This sourcing mirrors the original Munger’s Department Store, which curated merchandise from New York City to bring big-city style and quality to the Mohawk Valley.
Mohawk Valley Community Market is not about a single theme. It is about thoughtful curation. History meets modern retail through its diverse vendor mix, antiques and collectibles, curated furnishings, and a culinary anchor that honors the building’s origins. Under Joe Chilelli’s direction, the space feels intentional, layered, and distinctly Mohawk Valley.
