March 8, 2024

Just about six months after opening, Farmhouse Market is expanding.

The downtown business, which opened last August and includes work from several handmade vendors, is adding 2,400 square feet to its location at 121 S. Franklin Ave.

That essentially allows it to double in size and add a classroom.

“It’s been great,” said Kristy Vander Ziel, who owns the business with her husband, Phil.

“People are coming from all over and … are telling their friends.”

The new addition will allow the store to add three vendors for a total of 10, plus feature pop-up events with the makers.

“We need more space,” Vander Ziel said, adding the plan is to use the classroom to host events for all ages a couple of times each month.

That begins Saturday, when the expanded space will open. While the classes are full, there will be in-store specials, decorated cookies and visits with the Easter Bunny.

“I wanted more space to be creative, to shine with other products and what we like to do,” Vander Ziel said.

Farmhouse Market’s expansion fills the building it shares with law partners Rhonda Lockwood and Tressa Zahrbock Kool. There is still a shop space on the property available to lease that had been envisioned potentially as a food and beverage opportunity.

This summer, Farmhouse Market will add local shopping events the first Saturday of the month beginning May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s a cap of 25 vendors who can set up in the parking lot. Call 507-227-5652 to reserve a booth.

Store hours for Farmhouse Market are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. It’s closed Monday and Tuesday.