While it’s been open for six weeks, the multiple-storefront ‘The Market’ in St. Joseph will celebrate this weekend with a Grand Opening, under the banner of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber detailed the festivities in an announcement:
After a two yearlong project of renovations, build outs, and delays, downtown St. Joseph’s newest indoor year-round farmers market simply called The Market has opened. The public is invited to join the official grand opening and multi-ribbon cutting celebration on Sunday, November 7th from Noon until 4:00 p.m. The ribbon cuttings will begin at 1:00 p.m., with a live auction to benefit multiple local non-profits beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Opening to the public on the last day of summer, The Market has proven to be a labor of love for everyone involved, including founders Rick Molitor and Deb Sailor. Built on the original idea of providing a storefront for Sailor’s franchise The Cheese Lady, the thought quickly expanded to that of an indoor farmers market. With over 9,000 square feet of space, it quickly became apparent to Molitor and Sailor that the location serves as a business incubator for local entrepreneurs. Sailor says, “The majority of our business-owners are female and 40 or younger, The Market provides a manageable space for them and other first-time business owners without the overhead.”
“Like most in the community, we’ve been eagerly anticipating the opening of The Market and all the businesses inside.” says Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber President & CEO Arthur Havlicek. “It’s fitting that this ribbon cutting is our largest one to date, but also serves as a celebration for overcoming the obstacles that everyone involved faced in opening The Market.”
Once inside the doors of The Market, located at 301 Main St., you’ll find eight (8) separate businesses providing a wide variety of food and drink items, gift ideas, and more. These include:
The Cheese Lady, Dad’s Farm & Dad’s Café, Infusco Coffee Roasters, St. Joe Community Taproom St. Joe Wine Shoppe, The Tea Annex, and Wild Ginger Flowers & Gifts.
General hours for The Market at 10:00 am – 6:00 p.m., however some locations have adjusted to better fit their customer base.
You’ll find detailed information about each business located inside, including hours, and their auction item with the non-profit of their choice below:
The Cheese Lady St. Joe: Featuring over 120 varieties of cheese, charcuterie, crackers, jams, and a wide selection of specialty food items to enjoy with your cheese. They provide a sample of any cheese before you buy, so you know you’re going to love it before you bring it home.
Additional items include: specialty cheese merchandise, gift baskets, custom cheese boards, corporate gifts, catering for 4 to 100+ people, classes and collaborations with local breweries, wineries, restaurants and shops for pairings and special events.
Media Contact:
Sarah Spoonholtz
269-932-4040
sspoonholtz@smrchamber.com
Hours: Open Daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Website: thecheeselady.net
Phone: 269-281-7877
Facebook: @deb.stjoecheeselady Instagram: @thecheeseladystjoe
Auction Item & Non-Profit beneficiary: After hours private party for up to 12 people, St. Joe Wine Shoppe collab cheese and wine pairing class; $360 value, benefiting 100 Women Strong.
Dad’s Farm & Cafe: This Michigan based farmers market provides fresh, local produce, jams, honey, Oberwies Dairy and Michigan made products. The Café features a full breakfast and lunch menu served daily, plus weekly specials including Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday, and feature multiple new local products.
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (no breakfast), Wednesday – Sunday 8:00
a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (breakfast until 10:30 a.m.)
Website: dadsfarm.net
Phone: 269-876-9838
Facebook: @DadsFarmMichgian Instagram: @dadsfarm.mi
Auction Item & Non-Profit beneficiary: Dad’s Farm holiday gift basket; $100 value and Full Thanksgiving meal for 10 people; $250 value, benefiting the Soup Kitchen of Benton Harbor.
Infusco Coffee Roasters: Known as Michigan’s left coast roast, this locally owned, single-sourced coffee roaster is serving up local favorites at their new location inside The Market, and at their first home in Sawyer. Purchase a morning or afternoon pick-me-up by the cup, grab a bag for home and office brew, or one of their uniquely crafted and selected pieces of merchandise.
Hours: Open Daily 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Website: infuscocoffee.com
Facebook & Instagram: @infuscocoffee
Auction Item & Non-Profit beneficiary: Infusco Coffee Package; $250 value, benefiting Harbor Country Mission.
St. Joe Community Taproom: Craft is what they do. Founded with over 16 years of experience in the craft beverage industry, they know good drinks. Community Taproom offers an ever-rotating list of craft beer, wine, cider, mead, cocktails, and more – all carefully curated for a mix of products that support local beverage makers, please every palate, and offer something new for us to taste together.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sunday & Monday 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Website: sjcommunitytaproom.com
Phone: 269-757-3659
Facebook: @SJTaproom Instagram: @sj_tap
Auction Item & Non-Profit beneficiary: Taproom gift package including two lifetime community club memberships; $350 value, benefiting Brave Noise.
St. Joe Wine Shoppe: This boutique wine shop is women owned and focuses on small batch wines from around the world that touts fun wines with purpose! Once inside you’ll find a wide selection of organic, natural and biodynamic wines.
Hours: Open Daily 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Website: stjoewineshoppe.com
Phone: 269-FUN-WINE
Facebook & Instagram: @thestjoewineshoppe
Auction Item & Non-Profit beneficiary: Wine package: 6 bottles, 2 whites, 1 champagne, and 3 reds – all female winemakers; $200 value, benefiting Lori’s Place.
The Tea Annex: For those that prefer tea over coffee, you’ll find a wide variety of green, black, oolong and white teas by the glass, pot, or loose-leaf tins, as well as tea pots, mugs, and more.
Spices and other cooking goodies coming soon!
Hours: Open Daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Website: theteaannex.com
Facebook & Instagram: @theteaannex
Auction Item & Non-Profit beneficiary: Tea Annex gift box set including pots and tea; $250 value; benefiting the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan.
Wild Ginger Flowers & Gifts: Offering fresh cut flower bouquets and a wide variety of unique gift ideas from local Michigan artists including jewelry, home décor, unique art pieces, cards, and more. Stop by and shop gift ideas for your significant other, family, friend, boss, or yourself.
Hours: Open Daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Website: wildgingerstjoe.com
Facebook & Instagram: @wildgingerstjoe
Auction Item & Non-Profit beneficiary: Bouquet of the month for one year; $465 value and St. Joe Community Taproom collab beer and cheese pairing class; $360 value, benefiting the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan.
