Local Roots Market & Café

Local Roots Market & Café is a unique cooperative market and café located in the heart of Wooster, Ohio, USA. This place has become a symbol of the local food movement, bringing together more than 300 farmers, artisans, and chefs under one roof. The project operates as a member-owned cooperative aimed at supporting local production and providing residents with fresh, organic products.

The market occupies a former Corningware factory building, which was transformed into a cozy and stylish space through the efforts of volunteers. Here, you won't find standard mass-market goods—instead, visitors are offered seasonal vegetables, artisanal syrups, homemade baked goods, and unique handcrafted items that reflect the spirit of Ohio.

For tourists, Local Roots is an excellent opportunity to see the "real" America, meet locals, and taste dishes prepared from ingredients harvested from nearby fields just that morning.

To get in touch with the Local Roots Market & Café team or check the availability of specific items, you can use the contact details below. The establishment is very active and always welcomes new guests from other cities and countries.

At Local Roots, everyone will find something to enjoy. The main reason people come here is for the "farm-to-consumer" shopping experience. You can buy seasonal vegetables, fruits, organic meat, and exclusive items such as flavored syrups from Holmes County. Be sure to check out the craft section, which features unique souvenirs and handmade goods.

The café deserves special attention. It offers breakfast, lunch, and brunch with a menu that changes daily. The kitchen's uniqueness lies in the fact that different chefs create dishes "from scratch" using only fresh local ingredients. This is a great chance to taste international flavors with a local twist.

In addition to shopping and eating, visitors can talk to the producers themselves, learn the secrets of growing food, or participate in community life. If you plan to stay in the region for a while, you might consider cooperative membership, which provides additional privileges and supports small businesses through the local Entrepreneurial Center.

Finding Local Roots Market & Café is easy, as it is located right in the center of Wooster at 140 S Walnut St. The building is situated in a historic district that is very convenient for walking.

For those traveling by car, there are parking spaces in the surrounding blocks. The city is located in the north-central part of Ohio (Wayne County), and navigation systems accurately lead right to the market's doors. If you are in the downtown area, the café is easily accessible on foot or by a short taxi ride.

The history of Local Roots began in February 2009, when a group of active residents and volunteers decided to join forces to support local farming. By January 2010, the project officially opened its doors in an abandoned industrial building that formerly housed Corningware production. The empty space was transformed into a cozy market thanks to community enthusiasm.

Two inspired women stood at the origins of the organization: Martha Gaffney, an organic farmer looking for new ways to sell her produce, and Betsy Anderson, who sought to revive the farm-to-table concept. Thanks to a $60,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the cooperative was able to purchase the necessary equipment and launch full operations.

Over the years, Local Roots has become a benchmark for rural communities across the country. Wooster's experience inspired residents of neighboring Ashland to create a similar market. The project's success has even been noted in major publications like the Washington Post and the Cleveland Plain Dealer, confirming the significance of this place not only for the state of Ohio but for the entire country.

To leisurely browse the market's selection and enjoy the café's atmosphere, it is recommended to plan for 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to pick out fresh products, look at local crafts, and have a full lunch.

If you are a true connoisseur of farm culture and enjoy chatting with producers or chefs, your stay here might last longer. Local Roots is a place that encourages thoughtful exploration rather than a quick run through the aisles.

The Local Roots market and café welcome guests daily, though the operating schedule varies by day of the week. It is recommended to plan your visit for the first half of the day to catch the widest selection of fresh products.

• Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 18:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 17:00
• Sunday: 10:00 – 15:00

A visit to Local Roots can easily be combined with exploring other interesting spots in the city center. Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to fully appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and culinary diversity of this region.

Within walking distance, you will find many cozy bars, restaurants, and cultural sites that will make your walk even more rewarding.