Local Choice considers anything grown in Oregon or Washington to be “local.” The market prioritizes local over organic.
The market is modeled after a European food hall. The Saders specifically chose older looking fixtures, such as the wagon wheels on the produce carts. The building’s eight roll-up doors allow for enticing sidewalk displays.
Local Choice hosts Produce Happy Hours every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to induce customers to shop during slow periods. The market also offers daily pedicab service in the neighborhood to transport customers and their purchases.
Some examples of local produce recently available in the market include kales, radishes, kiwi, apples, cilantro, fiddleheads, asparagus and mushrooms.
Don Sader said he spends a great deal of time in the market listening to customer feedback.
Due to customer demand, Local Choice has had to relax its “local only” rules for seafood. The market started carrying Mexican shrimp, which it purchased from a local supplier.
At monthly Neighborhood Market Dinners, Local Choice invites a Portland-area chef to design a menu based on local, seasonal ingredients. The inaugural dinner, with seats for 50 diners, sold out quickly.
“People come and they hang out. We have music. It’s a very different sort of a venue,” said Don Sader, about the market.