Owners of Frick Park Market, celebrated in Mac Miller song, retire

May 17—The Frick Park Market in Point Breeze is closed — at least temporarily.

Late Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller, who grew up nearby, boosted the market's visibility through a tribute song and video about his love of the place. The cut is from Miller's 2011 debut album, "Blue Slide Park," a nod to a feature at nearby Frick Park.

The store closed at the end of the day on Saturday.

A sign on the market's door from owners Maggi Cook and John R. Prodan says: "After 13 wonderful years, we are retiring. ... Thank you for all the love and support you have shown us over the years. We know you will welcome the new owners in the same spirit. See you in the neighborhood."

Cook said the new ownership should be official by Thursday, but isn't sure of when the store will reopen. She said she will miss the people the most.

"That's the hard part," Cook said. "It's bittersweet. But it was time. The new owners are younger, and hopefully they can have it for a long time."

The market opened in 1902 as an A&P and had been some type of store ever since. Cook and Prodan have owned it since 2008. Churchill High School graduates and Point Breeze residents, they offered deli sandwiches and daily hot specials, including fresh soups from Italian wedding to beef vegetable to seafood bisque.

Thursday was named "Cook's Night Off," when the market made dinner items such as beef stew, Cajun crusted salmon and eggplant parmesan.

"We are always appreciative of Maggi, not only for her wonderful prepared food, but also for all the help and financial support she gives for the bonfire (event) in October," said Kathleen Farrington, president of the Point Breeze Organization.

In a 2016 Tribune-Review story, Cook and Prodan characterized the market as "more than store" — it was a neighborhood resource where customers would ask them questions about everything from a good local landscaper to a quality painter.

Mac Miller's ode to Frick Park Market was released in August 2011:

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne at 724-853-5062, jharrop@triblive.com or via Twitter .