Empty samosa stands at the Boyce Farmers' Market in Fredericton have been good for business at local stores that carry the popular fried snacks.

Two samosa stands, Patel's and Samosa Delite, are Fredericton institutions. Samosa Delite owner Mohan Iyengar says he sells between 7,000 and 10,000 samosas every Saturday.

But for the first time in 30 years, there were none available at the market on Saturday mornings this month. The treats became a victim of their own popularity. Lineups clogged the market's walkways, obstructing stalls belonging to other vendors, and causing market officials to ask the vendors to move to an outdoor food court last month.

The owners of the stands opted to go on vacation instead, deferring their decisions to move or stop selling at the market. While marketgoers are left wondering if the market will ever be the same, local businesses are cashing in on those willing to walk a few more blocks to get their fix.

Kelly Boldon, owner of the nearby Boldon's Food Store, said she's selling samosas on Saturday mornings, and business is booming. 

Compromise sought

"Most people had a little bit of a sense of humour about having to go abroad for their samosas, instead of getting them at the market," Boldon said Monday. "I guess it's almost like being on a diet. You start denying yourself a particular food group, you want it all the more."

In the meantime, market officials are trying to come to a compromise.

Executive director Ken McGeorge said he wants to have a small new building outside for the samosa vendors. It would cost the merchants about $30 more a week to rent.

"We have to give up two or three parking spaces, and it would be an area that would serve as an indoor location for selling samosas, or any product for that matter."

McGeorge is scheduled to meet with the city's planning advisory committee this week to see if plans can go forward, but the vendors haven't committed to the proposal.