Thursday, August 29, 2013

A Tip of Daisy's Hat to the American Worker

Labor Day weekend is upon us, and it's one of the busiest times of the year at Findlay Market. Merchants are ready with fresh produce, meats, and poultry for your holiday cookouts and picnics. Although Labor Day was originally started as a day to honor the American worker with parades and speeches, the holiday has become an end-of-summer celebration for many.

In the midst of the festive events, the significance of Labor Day should not be overlooked. No matter how computers and technological advances have made our lives easier, we should remember that the wheels that make the business world turn are really the workers themselves. Such is the case at Daisy Mae's. Without our workers, our fresh produce just sits there, our inventory system goes unchanged, and our delivery truck remains parked. Our employees make things happen, and without them, we might as well shut the doors and go home.

So as you shop at Daisy Mae's this week, be extra nice to our workers. Let them know that you recognize their hard work and appreciate their efforts to help you. And when the day is done, we hope our employees get a chance to enjoy a good meal and celebrate Labor Day at Cincinnati's annual WEBN Riverfest Fireworks. Then Monday, for our staff and workers all over America, you can truly rest. You've earned it.

Thanks.


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

4 For 4 at Findlay After 4

Findlay Market is the oldest public market in Ohio and has been in continuous operation since 1855. It began as a meeting place where local farmers brought the daily harvest to sell from the backs of carts and wagons. Historically, if you wanted to shop at Findlay Market, you had to get up early and get to the market before all the good stuff was gone. 
Local producers today still set up shop each Saturday and Sunday morning in the Farm Shed at Findlay Market. Selling from the backs of modern vans and pickup trucks, they carry on the tradition of bringing fresh produce, baked goods, honey, and jams to weekend shoppers. 
However, Findlay Market today is much more than an early-morning market. We're open 6 days a week, from 9-6 Tuesday through Friday, 8-6 on Saturday, and 10-4 on Sunday. We're working hard to get the message out that Findlay Market is a great place to do your grocery shopping throughout the week--and especially after 4 pm. We've been spreading the word about Findlay After 4. The 4-6 pm weekday time slot is the perfect time to stop by the market on your way home from work. Do some shopping, enjoy an early meal or a glass of wine, take in the slower pace of the market...and get free parking in adjoining lots for your first hour. 
In addition, Daisy Mae's is introducing something special---a 4 For 4 weekday deal. Each weekday, we'll offer 4 specific fresh produce items for only $4. We'll kick it off this Thursday with 1 head iceberg lettuce, 1 bunch celery, 1 lb. carrots, and 1 cucumber for only $4. Stop by between 4-6 pm and mention "4 For 4" to receive this special price. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with what our "4 For 4" deal is each week. 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

How We Roll

This is the time of year when we really connect with our local farmers. When nature blesses us with the right amount of sun and rain, we all enjoy the bounty produced in the fields of nearby farms. We love working with our friends at Kruthaup Family Farm in Morrow, Ohio. The Kruthaups supply us with delicious local produce like heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, melons, and peppers. We're in frequent contact with Rae Lynn and Marissa who keep us posted on availability, when they're picking, and when we can coordinate delivery. I'm always excited to wake up to an early morning email telling me what is ready that day. When that happens, I load the empty baskets in the van and head to fill them full of goodness to bring to you at Findlay Market. Produce picked today! Can't get much fresher than that. That's how we roll at Daisy Mae's.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Findlay After 4--Can You Dig It?

We've been working hard to attract more weekday shoppers to Findlay Market with our Findlay After 4 promotion. Today we're taking our Thursday afternoon down to the farm. Findlay Market operates several urban farms including one at the corner of Liberty and Elm Streets, right in the heart of Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Here, apprentice farmers work with Findlay Market staff and volunteers to plant, maintain, and harvest crops that can then be sold at the weekly farm market. Once a vacant lot, this urban farm is now connecting neighbors and supporting farm to table right in our own backyard.
Today we're celebrating all that's good about growing local and supporting regional food systems. We're looking for adult volunteers to help us on the farm between 5:00 pm-6:30 pm. Afterwards we'll share a cold one in the OTR Biergarten to celebrate at the 1st Annual Findlay Market Farm Party. There's free food and music so put on your boots and giddy up to Findlay Market.