Pick of the Week: Cooper’s Public Market

Locavores rejoice! On Saturday, January 25th, patrons flocked to the much anticipated opening of Cooper’s Public Market in downtown Novato. Owner and Novato native Dennis Cooper has created a one-of-a-kind destination where shoppers will find a wealth of products all grown and raised by local food producers.

The modest 1550 square-foot market, located at 1425 Grant Avenue (at 5th Street) will stock the finest sustainably-raised fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, artisan cheeses, honey, olive oil, breads and more–all sourced from family-owned farms, ranches, and bakeries within a thirty-mile radius of its location.

Cooper hopes his market will be a community gathering place that connects patrons to the origins of their food. Featured purveyors include Stemple Creek Ranch all natural grass-fed/grass-finished beef and lamb; Devil’s Gulch Ranch rabbit and pastured pork; All Star Organics fine herb blends, salts, sugars, and hydrosols; Brick Maiden Artisan Breads, granola, and biscotti; Clover Stornetta Organic Dairy Products; artisan cheeses by Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, Cowgirl Creamery, and Nicasio Valley Cheese Company; and Silbermann’s Ice Cream with new producers added to shelves in the coming weeks.

In addition, the market will soon have a convenient on-site espresso bar featuring San Rafael-based Equator Coffee, as well as weekly “grab n’ go” dinners with pre-measured, locally sourced ingredients and a recipe from White Rose Ranch.

In the future, Cooper plans to host local author, artist, and speaker events in the store. Don’t be surprised if you see his enthusiastic eight-year-old son, James, behind the counter of this family-run establishment!

Cooper’s Public Market (www.cooperspublicmarket.com) will be open Monday-Saturday from 9:00am to 7:00pm, with reduced hours on Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm. For more information, call 415-895-1780.