What started as a small pop-up market on a family's 10-acre farm has grown into a new business venture for one Ascension Parish family.
Lexus Chatagnier and her family are preparing to open the Chatagnier Community Market in Gonzales, a year-round marketplace designed to give farmers, bakers, artists and small businesses a permanent place to sell their products under one roof.
The family, which has a farm in Gonzales, previously hosted pop-up markets on their property. But zoning restrictions prevented them from having more and prompted them to look for a commercial location.
The family received the keys to the 1,300-square-foot storefrontΒ at 14210 Airline Highway about a month ago and has since begun renovations, transforming the former dance apparel store. Since making the announcement, Chatagnier said she has received over 172 vendor applications. Some vendors include Wild Oak Farms, which produces meat and fresh milk; Fleur-De-Licious Bakery & Treats, which specializes in sourdough and desserts; and Holistic Roots, which creates homemade herbal remedies.
βThe response has shown us just how much demand there is for a year-round vendor space dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs,β she said. βI have had so much positivity from the community that I feel like they are going to show up for us, and there are so many vendors.β
She said what sets her market apart is its heavy focus on local food.
βWhile we will have handmade goods and artisan products, our vision is much more than a traditional arts and crafts vendor market. We want to create a destination where customers can shop local produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, specialty foods, and other Louisiana-made products alongside items from local makers.β
Unlike traditional vendor markets, Chatagnier said the goal is to create a grocery store-style experience centered on local food with βno cluttered booths or flea market feel.β
Phase one of the market is expected to open in August, initially offering dry goods and shelf-stable foods while the family installs a permitted kitchen. A second phase, expected to open in November, will include a permanent kitchen and expanded food offerings.