Partners Natalie Peck and Amy Emerson are breathing new life into the iconic downtown spot that housed The Little Market since 1902, planning to open the Willamette Market & Deli in late-August or September. Emerson brings a history of management and ordering at Mountain Mama Natural Foods, and Peck did stints at Shuga’s, McCabe’s Tavern and The Burrowing Owl before taking on the new store.
“It has been a dream of ours to run an organic hot dog deli/food truck,” Peck says in an email response to the Report. “Upon learning that the market was available, we started thinking how fun it would be to provide an organic, regional, sustainable market and deli. Once we were aware the community wanted exactly that, we expedited the process.”
Peck says she wants the market to be “a place where you can shop and eat knowing the foods you put in your body or the household goods you buy are the best combination of organic, sustainable, regional, and biodynamic as we can find,” she writes. “A place where community is at the center. A place to gather. A neighborhood place that enriches the community. “
The owners say the time is ripe for the community to enjoy the rebooted asset, and there’s no denying Colorado Springs’ eating scene is enjoying new heights. A recent Indiegogo campaign generated $4,547, which should help with the goal of quality products.
“My goal is to carry one of everything,” Peck writes. “Our shelves will be stocked with at least one option, the best available item that is any combination of regional, organic, and sustainable ingredients — everything from eggs to deodorant. For example, I will not carry a product just because it is local but made with commercial or GMO ingredients.”
[Images: Courtesy photos]
