Food: Arcadia Farmer’s Market 

When you step into the new Arcadia Farmer’s Market General Store in Edmond, there’s a good chance you’ll leave with something fresh, something delicious, and maybe even something unexpected. What started as a seasonal farmer’s market in 2018 evolved into a year-round brick-and-mortar venture with the opening of the original Arcadia Farmer’s Market in 2020. In May of this year, owners Jodee McLean and Linda Simonton, along with manager Jesse Waltrip, debuted their fresh, locally sourced foods in Edmond. “My mom always had a garden, always cooked,“ Jesse comments. ”Growing up, we rarely ate out. That passion for home-grown food is what shaped this business. We wanted to create a place where clean, locally sourced food is easy to access.” And it’s never been more convenient with this tasty hub now right in the neighborhood! 

Go to the Source 

The exploding trend in recent years of taking interest in the source and quality of the foods we eat makes the farmer’s market store concept more popular than ever. “People today are able to see the difference in the quality of local products,” Jesse says. “A lot of the things you buy in large chain stores have more preservatives and chemicals to keep them from spoiling and give them a longer shelf life.” 

One key vendor at the market is R&R Cattle Co., offering grass-fed and grass-finished premium beef. Locally raised in Jones, OK, by owners Todd and Rachel Thomas, the quality cuts of meat are sealed fresh and delivered. “The company was created as a direct-to-customer operation,” Todd says. “The taste of the meat is absolutely superior. Once you try it, you’ll get it. It’s the true taste of Oklahoma beef.” Ethically sourced from sustainably raised cattle, the fantastic burgers, ribs, steaks, and ground beef offer endless options for grilling, roasting, or stocking up on family favorites. 

What’s for Dinner? 

Though Jesse says many customers come in knowing exactly what they’re after, others come in just to explore, be inspired, and learn about the difference of locally sourced food. Throughout the rustic, chic space modeled after California markets, customers discover a variety of products. Shoppers love the free-range eggs, fresh milk and produce, local honey, delicious breads, granola, pickles and other jarred goodies, pasta and sauce, nuts, and baked goods. 

Having worked with hundreds of vendors over the years, Jesse knows all the best items to stock, including an assortment of prepared foods, ready to eat or take and heat. “Staples that we almost never run out of–and we hear about it from customers if we do,” Jesse laughs, ”are chicken salad, chicken spaghetti, and enchiladas.” And there’s no need to make another stop at a store for necessities like mayo and mustard–they’ve got you covered! “Our ultimate goal is to help you feed your family better and not make it any harder to do it,” Jesse explains. 

Feed it Forward 

As much fun as these foods are to eat, they’re even better to share! Who doesn’t love a jar of sweet fig jam, cherry chocolate chip sourdough bread, packaged soup mixes, or maple bacon pecans? Add in unique candles and soaps and you’ve got the perfect gift basket. “We are here to serve our community and bring quality food to everyone,” Jesse says. “Our owners and employees are consistent customers. We all eat the food. We feed it to our families. We believe in what we are doing.” 

Visit 130 NE 150th St., Edmond, just east of Santa Fe, or AFMGeneralStore on Facebook. Open at 10 a.m. daily, noon on Sunday.