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Fresh Roots Market: Transforming Asheville’s Food Scene

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Fresh Roots Market
• Business Overview
• Community Impact
• Customer Experience
• Visual Journey Through Fresh Roots
• Call to Action

Introduction to Fresh Roots Market

Fresh Roots Market isn’t just another corner store or organic food shop—it represents a movement. Founded during the turbulent early pandemic days, this business emerged in Asheville in 2021 as a mission-driven response to growing concerns about food accessibility, sustainability, and local economic resilience. What started as a small pop-up operated by three lifelong friends has rapidly grown into one of Asheville’s top trending local businesses—appearing in the Asheville Citizen-Times, highlighted on regional food blogs, and boasting an ever-growing organic following on Instagram and TikTok.

From day one, Fresh Roots Market pledged to keep its shelves stocked with hyper-local produce, pasture-raised meats, dairy from nearby creameries, and handcrafted goods from Appalachian artisans. Their emphasis on direct farmer collaborations, zero-waste principles, and transparent sourcing practices has positioned them as more than a market—they’re a local food beacon.

Business Overview

The Fresh Roots Mission

Fresh Roots Market was founded by Ava Chandler, Marcus Lee, and Renee Wong—three Asheville locals with deep ties to farming and sustainability work. The team envisioned a space where farmers and eaters could rewrite the food chain’s story.

“Our mission is to nurture a just and resilient local food system,” says co-founder Ava Chandler. “We’re not just selling carrots—we’re building community, one beet at a time.”

What They Offer

• Local Organic Produce: 90% sourced within a 100-mile radius.
• Grass-Fed & Pasture-Raised Meats: From ethically run farms.
• Grassroots Dairy & Eggs: Delivered daily from local dairies.
• Artisanal Goods: Pickles, sauces, breads, and baked goods from local makers.
• Plant-Based and Vegan Products: Mindfully sourced and labeled clearly.
• Refill Station: For grains, oils, and household cleaning products to reduce plastic waste.
• Workshops & Events: Weekly classes on canning, composting, and more.

Their partnerships with 45+ farms, including Greenleaf Family Farm and Red Clay Pastures, ensure constantly rotating selections aligned with seasonal freshness.

Community Impact

Empowering Local Farmers

By offering fair-trade prices and long-term contracts, Fresh Roots helps stabilize local farming operations that often struggle against big supplier margins. They have directly increased revenue for small farms in Asheville and surrounding counties by over 28% in the past 18 months.

Employment & Education

The market employs over 20 staff—all paid a living wage well above the state minimum. In partnership with UNC Asheville, they offer semester-long nutrition internships for students and host bi-monthly school field trips to their production garden and storefront.

The Food Solidarity Initiative

One of Fresh Roots’ most celebrated contributions is its Food Solidarity Initiative. This program donates fresh produce weekly to food-insecure families via partnerships with local women’s shelters, schools, and church pantries. To date, they’ve donated over 15,000 pounds of produce and meal kits—a feat widely celebrated in local media.

Customer Experience

Step into the Fresh Roots Market and you’re greeted with the comforting scent of fresh herbs, warm bread, and lively conversation. The handcrafted wooden shelves, chalkboard signage, and indoor herb garden create a cozy, curated vibe that draws customers in and keeps them returning.

Rave Reviews

Online reviews on Google and Yelp average 4.9 stars, with recurring praise for both quality and hospitality.

“Fresh Roots is my happy place—I can grab a fresh loaf of sourdough, chat with the farmer who grew my greens, and head home with zero guilt,” says one local reviewer.

“I haven’t touched a chain grocery store in six months, thanks to Fresh Roots,” notes another. “Their staff know my name, and I always feel like I’m investing in something that matters.”

Local Star Endorsements

The market has seen surprise visits by regional chefs—including Chef Nima Fields of Table Asheville and social media vegan icon @PlantCuriousLucy—who’ve featured Fresh Roots ingredients in recipe videos and online cooking classes.

Plus, their in-house summer events, like the wildly popular “Tomato Fest” (yes, it ended with a Salsa Dance Party), further prove their commitment to fun and community building.

Visual Journey Through Fresh Roots

Editor’s Note: All images used with permission from Fresh Roots Market.

[Include Image 1: Exterior storefront shot — rustic wooden paneling, hand-painted signage]

[Include Image 2: The produce section — vibrant tomatoes, greens, and radishes with visible farm labels]

[Include Image 3: Founder trio smiling at checkout counter]

[Include Image 4: Kids from a local school on a tour, learning how to compost]

[Include Image 5: A community salsa dance event in the market’s parking lot]

These images bring to life the energy and ethos of Fresh Roots—inviting, vibrant, and deeply intentional.

Call to Action

Inspired to shop smarter and support your local food network? Here’s how you can be a part of the Fresh Roots movement:

• Visit Fresh Roots Market: Located at 112 Hawthorn Ave, Asheville, NC. Mon–Sat from 9AM to 7PM.
• Follow Them Online: Discover fresh arrivals and upcoming events on Instagram @freshrootsasheville or visit FreshRootsMarket.com.
• Support the Solidarity Program: Donate or volunteer through their site to help combat food insecurity.
• Explore More Local Gems: Use CompaniesByZipCode.com to find other standout businesses in your area.

Fresh Roots Market is a reminder that behind every head of lettuce is a story, and behind every purchase is a choice. Let yours be a nod to sustainability, community, and a more delicious future.

Whether you’re a lifelong Ashevillian or passing through the Blue Ridge Mountains looking for great food and genuine connections, make sure your journey includes a stop at Fresh Roots. And don’t forget to explore CompaniesByZipCode.com for more inspiring local businesses redefining what it means to shop—and live—local.

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