The Village Market in downtown Hartland was picked by popular vote as Hartland’s Best Lunch Spot. 

The Village Market lunch menu that includes soups, salads, sandwiches and personal pan pizzas, all for under $4, is located at 3620 Hartland Road, also known as Avon Street.

Owner John Drallos says at first he was a little concerned with the location of his restaurant, but that since re-opening the Village Market in November of 2011, the community has “gone out of their way to be supportive.”

“People are making the effort to come from the San Marino area and these other areas,” Drallos said. “And I think initially it was because people wanted to support a local business but they’re coming back because they’re satisfied.”

Other customers agree, as seen in a Patch post from Angela who left a review on The Village Market's directory page.

"I just started getting my pizza from here, and it's amazing! Probably the closest thing to New York style that I've ever found outside of New York," Angela wrote. "The owner is friendly, the service is fast - small business at it's best!"

Drallos says that he thinks having their food items "made from scratch and fresh" is helping to attract customers as well and says they will continue to add items to their menu, including the newest addition a few months ago of pasties.

“Up in the U.P., its (pasties) more than a traditional meal, it’s a way of life for them up there,” Drallos said. “It’s kind of a beef and vegetable filled pastry, there’s a lot of history with it. … People go up north and they stock up on them and bring them back home. There’s not too many places you can get good ones around here, but people have really been complimenting me on mine saying it’s the best they found down here.”

Thanking the community for their support, Drallos says he enjoys the Hartland community and appreciates the history of the village -- including his own historic location.

“Everybody tells me their childhood stories about this place,” he said. “We thank them for their support and will continue to supply good food at good prices.”