Freshlist Opens Weekly Monday Market in Charlotte’s Belmont Neighborhood
Freshlist now hosts a weekly farmers market at its warehouse in the Belmont area near Uptown. The market runs from 2 to 6 p.m. on Mondays at 1300 Pegram St.
Freshlist now hosts a weekly farmers market at its warehouse in the Belmont area near Uptown. The market runs from 2 to 6 p.m. on Mondays at 1300 Pegram St.
The wholesaler has supplied locally sourced produce, dairy, and grains to more than 100 Charlotte restaurants since launching in 2014. The warehouse opened to the public with the weekly market to better connect with the community, CEO Anthony Mirisciotta told Axios.
The market opened in January after testing the idea with a pumpkin patch last fall. "It's been such a fun way to engage with our neighbors," Mirisciotta.
Demand has pushed organizers to expand their hours.
Inventory changes each week based on what's in season and what neighbors are asking for. Mirisciotta said those requests include items you wouldn't find during a typical grocery store run. Recent offerings included sunchokes and ramps (a wild-foraged onion) along with spring produce like blueberries, strawberries, asparagus, cabbage, and cilantro.
Vendors also offer meats, eggs, cheeses, and artisan goods like pasta, ice cream, peanut butter, olive oil, and jams. Everything on display comes from the company's network, including Bush-N-Vine in York, S.C.; Bluebird Farm in Morganton; and Wild Hope Farm in Chester, S.C.
Prices aren't cheaper than the grocery store, but they're competitive and support local farmers, which Mirisciotta said is the company's priority. "We want to offer things that are reasonable and approachable to everyone in our community," he said.
Organizers hope to accept SNAP/EBT as the market continues to expand. "The dream is to open every day of the week," Mirisciotta said.
North Carolina's drought is getting worse as planting season begins. Dry soil and dropping groundwater put pressure on farmers across the state.
The market offers a way to buy locally sourced food and support Carolina farmers as the drought shows little sign of letting up. Free parking is available, and cards, cash, and mobile pay are accepted.
