MANSFIELD — Frenchie Roast began brewing coffee for local consumers years ago, establishing its reputation with java connoisseurs.
It has matured to the point of hosting a weekly farmers market featuring a variety of vendors that celebrate small businesses and homemade goods.
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Frenchie Roast turns its property at 1262 Ashland Road into a thriving farmers market.
Britni Harp, co-owner of Frenchie Roast, shared her excitement with this project and how it continues to grow.
“I’ve always been passionate about farmers’ markets — the vibrant atmosphere, the unique finds, and the sense of community they foster,” Harp said.
Frenchie Roast’s spacious property provides the perfect opportunity to bring something special to the community.
“After purchasing our building last year, I envisioned creating a market right here in Mansfield, where there wasn’t a weekend market,” Harp said.
The schedule includes Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with Sundays being their busiest day.
Expanding the business hours gave Frenchie Roast the flexibility to finally make their farmers market dream a reality.
A market full of local treasures
Meeting passionate artisans and entrepreneurs who pour their heart into their crafts is the most rewarding aspect of the farmers market for Harp.
“Their creativity and dedication fuel our enthusiasm,” Harp said. “Additionally, the market has allowed us to engage with so many new customers, building meaningful relationships within the community.”
Harp said the new adventure for Frenchie Roast has not come without challenges. At first it was a struggle to secure vendors since this event began organizing later than many established markets.
“By the time we launched, some vendors were already committed elsewhere. Despite this, we have built a fantastic group of regular vendors who consistently bring high-quality, handmade goods, and our market continues to grow,” Harp said.
Frenchie’s Farmers Market visitors can enjoy a diverse range of offerings, including Frenchie Roast’s signature coffee and The Roaming Donut’s fresh donuts.
Visitors will also find sourdough bread, fresh flowers, cold-pressed juices, thrift clothing, baked goods, handmade soaps and salves, seasonal produce, hand-sewn items, permanent jewelry, and houseplants.
A few vendors you can find at Frenchie’s Farmers Market include Petal and Stem, Wild Flora Farm, Simple Spoon Bakery, Blackmore Farms, Forever Welded, Loaves of Love and many more.
“The vendor lineup varies slightly each week depending on availability, which keeps the market fresh and exciting,” Harp said.
A market for all seasons
Harp said they are committed to continuing the market and looking to extend it year-round.
(Community enjoys Frenchie’s Farmers Market. Story continues below the pictures. Picture credit: Britni Harp )
“One exciting goal is to extend the market into the winter months by moving it indoors. With our 8,000-square-foot building, we have ample space to make this happen,” Harp said.
“To my knowledge, there aren’t any regular winter markets in the area. This could be a unique offering for the community.”
Frenchie’s Farmers Market will continue depending on community support and participation of their vendors, but Harp is optimistic about the future.
Vendors interested in participating can reach out to Frenchie Roast through social media or email at frenchieroast@gmail.com.
“We’d love to hear from passionate creators who want to join our vibrant community,” Harp said.
