Liberty Market

Diving into the local business scene, I have been intrigued with Joe Johnston and his local restaurants and farm. Most recently I have become a fan of Liberty Market. This local market was built in the 1930's and has served as a market for locally grown foods along with high quality food from the restaurant.

The entire ambiance and atmosphere of this market is amazing. It has the small town local feel to it, and there is a great sense of community. Walking in there is a small storefront with all of the local products for sale. I feel like times are changing and hopefully a small revolution back to the local small town business is in store. Then walking past the open kitchen where you can watch your food be artistically crafted. Like the saying goes: Presentation is everything. This is certainly true, and makes a great tasting meal even better.

However, my favorite part of Liberty Market is the e61 Espresso Bar; where my first impression of Liberty Market was made, and the reason I will continue to go there. Having a drink recommended to me by one of the baristas, Ashley, and thoroughly enjoying it, and the welcome feeling from everyone there has made a lasting impression. On my next visit another barista Brian created an awesome latte that looked and tasted amazing. While I sat there and jotted down notes for some business brainstorming, Brian and I chatted about coffee and all kinds of stuff. It was such a refreshing and welcoming feeling to have someone recognize you and acknowledge you coming in after only the second time ever being there.

Of course, after all of this, I had to bring Chris along to see this awesome social focal point. Sitting down at the e61 Bar one of the owners, Kiersten, recognizes me and comments that I was here nearly 12 hours ago. Nothing special, but the fact that they all take care to get to know their customers blows me away, and I believe that is so truly important in a small business. It just so happens that this morning, Joe was also in his restaurant. His interaction with the customers in the dining room and at the bar was so good to see. Nearly every customer knew him by name, and he the same. It shows that they come in for the food, but also for the interaction and community with everyone in there.

Veering away from the purely amazing social aspect of the market, the design of the market and bar is great. Having an open wood fired oven in the kitchen and a half wall that allows customers to see what is going on where their food is being prepared is so important to me. The zinc countertop at the bar and vintage light bulbs that hang from the ceiling are great touches as well.

A lot of what Liberty Market stands for is something that I would want to have in my own restaurant; from the design in the fine details to the locally grown food, to the community that has evolved around this social gathering point. Truly inspired.