Locavores rejoice!

Cooper’s Public Market, a one-of-a-kind grocery store, will open its doors to the public on Saturday, January 25^th, 2014 at 1425 Grant Avenue in downtown Novato. For years proprietor Dennis Cooper, a native of Novato, dreamed of opening a community marketplace that would showcase the wealth of diverse products grown and raised by local food producers.

That dream is coming to fruition. “The North Bay has long been an epicenter of the farm-to-table movement,” Cooper reflects. “The increased popularity of farmers’ markets, CSA programs, and farm co-ops over the past decade is indicative of consumers’ desire to connect with the origins of their food.” To that end, Cooper’s unique grocery store will find a loyal audience with patrons seeking high quality, locally sourced, farm fresh foods to put on their family tables.

The modest, 1550 square foot market will stock the finest sustainably raised produce, meats, eggs, dairy, artisan cheeses, breads and more–all sourced from family owned farms, ranches, and bakers within a thirty-mile radius of its location.

Featured purveyors include Stemple Creek Ranch all natural grass-fed/grass-finished beef and lamb; Devil’s Gulch Ranch rabbit and pastured pork; All Star Organics fine herb blends, salts, sugars, and hydrosols; Brick Maiden Breads, granola, and biscotti; Clover Stornetta Organic Dairy Products; artisan cheeses by Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, Cowgirl Creamery, and Nicasio Valley Cheese Company; and Silbermann’s Ice Cream. More producers will be added to shelves in the coming weeks.

In addition, the market will soon have an on-site espresso bar featuring San Rafael-based Equator Coffee, as well as weekly “grab n’ go” dinners from White Rose Ranch, complete with pre-measured, locally sourced ingredients and a recipe.

In the future, Cooper envisions his market as a community venue for author, artist, and speaker events. Don’t be surprised if you see his enthusiastic eight-year-old son, James, behind the counter of this family run store!

Cooper’s Public Market (www.cooperspublicmarket.com) will be open Monday-Saturday from 9:00am to 7:00pm, with reduced hours on Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm.

“My hope for Cooper’s Public Market is to promote community, nutrition, and environmental stewardship while supporting truly local businesses and family farms,” says Cooper.   For more information, call 415-895-1780.