COMMUNITY PARTNERS

At the heart of everything I do is relationships and community. I am able to source exceptional ingredients thanks to those who dedicate their lives to creating exceptional ingredients with integrity and a relationship to humans & the earth.

Please be sure to check out the incredible community partners I work with and support their work as well.

Plant & Animal Farm Partners

  • Loma Farm is a small-scale vegetable and flower farm in Southern Leelanau County, 8 miles outside of Traverse City.  We grow following organic practices with a deep concern for the health of the land and a love of high quality produce.  

    In July 2020, we opened Farm Club. In addition to growing for our own menu, brewery and market, we supply area restaurants with vegetables and distribute weekly through our CSA vegetable subscription program.

    Website:
    https://lomafarm.com/

  • Lakeview Hill Farm is committed to using sustainable energy to supply the Traverse City community with high-quality produce and flowers year-round.

    Website:
    https://www.lakeviewhillfarm.com/

  • Anavery Fine Foods raises heritage breed animals in a healthy setting to provide your family with the best tasting meat, poultry and eggs.  We practice ethical animal husbandry and regenerative agriculture so you can feel good about what you buy.  Anavery is brought to you by The Weinrich Farm in Traverse City, Michigan.

    Website:
    Anavary farm

Purveyor Partners

  • At Fustini’s, we’re committed to providing high-quality ingredients to inspire flavorful meals. Our journey began in 2008 when founder Jim Milligan opened the first tasting room in Traverse City, Michigan. Inspired by the oil and vinegar rooms he visited in Europe, Jim wanted to bring this experience to Michigan. The name "Fustini’s" comes from the Italian word "fustino," referring to the stainless steel drums traditionally used to hold fine olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

    The Traverse City location was an immediate success, and this passion for high-quality, artisanal products fueled the growth of Fustini’s. Today, Fustini’s has grown to include locations in Petoskey, Ann Arbor, and Holland, along with an online store, all upholding our unwavering commitment to quality and exceptional customer service.

    Website:
    https://www.fustinis.com/

  • We’ve been making premium chocolate confections in the sweet little town of Empire since 2004. Mimi Wheeler, originally from Denmark, started Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate after making bonbons for her friends for holidays and events for many years. She was never satisfied with the chocolate she could purchase in the United States so, after a career as a social worker, she opened GDC in a small building just south of Empire. The name ‘Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate’ harkens back to Mimi’s youth, when her family owned the small grocery store in the rural village where she grew up.

    Website:
    https://www.grocersdaughter.com/

Community Partners

  • I have worked with Groundwork for over seven years on a number culinary projects, cooking classes and community offerings.

    Groundwork has had a tremendous impact in the food & agriculture communities and local food movement within Michigan.

    Website:
    https://groundworkcenter.org/

  • The Office of Possibilities is dedicated to individuals and organizations looking to adopt and cultivate innovation.

    We are an idea accelerator and entrepreneur support community.

    Find your innovation community with us.

    Regularly network and learn with your peers.

    Website:
    https://www.oopstc.com/

  • Oryana has been a locally-owned cooperative grocer for more than 50 years. Since the beginning we have chosen to strive for business decisions that positively impact the people we live with, the planet we co-exist on, and the purpose of our co-op founders.

    Website:
    https://oryana.coop/