Thirty years ago, a local produce stand planted roots for what would evolve into Oxford’s Chicory Market, now thriving in its new location.
Written and Researched by Leslie Criss | Photographed by Joe Worthem
“Our mission has been simple. We want to build a local food economy and connect people from across our community with nutritious, fresh food.” — Kate Bishop
From what began as a local produce stand and later expanded into an indoor farmers market, Oxford’s Chicory Market has continued to hone its mission and mindset to make it the strong community-centric offering it is.
The brainchild of Kate Bishop and John Martin, Chicory Market found its place at Oxford’s table in 2017. Bishop, an Oxford native, and husband Martin of North Carolina, had the vision to create a space for farmers and food producers to market quality meats, fruits, vegetables and other grocery items to all members of the Oxford community.
The full-service grocery provides food and offers support to those who grow and eat the food. Chicory Market also has a kitchen that serves up sandwiches, salads and grab-and-go soups, casseroles and more. Chicory Market partners with more than 75 local farmers and food makers.
The market closed its original location at 274 County Road 101 on New Year’s Day 2024 and opened a larger space at 707 North Lamar (the old Sears building) Jan. 5.
“When it became clear we had outgrown our old space, we were interested in creating a more collaborative food space where some of our vendors could operate shops within a shop,” Bishop said. “We’ve been working with Johnston Hill Creamery, Heartbreak Coffee and Home Place Pastures for many years … In our new spot, our customers benefit from having a seamless grocery experience and specialty shops all under one roof.”
The original space was where Burlyn Hollowell opened his produce stand in 1994. In 2005, Liz and Frank Stagg renamed Hollowell’s Farm Fresh Produce the Farmers Market. And in September 2017, the building’s Chicory Market sign by Bill Warren, signaled to the community good things were still to come.
“Our mission has been simple,” Bishop said. “We want to build a local food economy and connect people from across our community with nutritious, fresh food. Our new space allows us to do that on a scale we couldn’t have imagined when we opened our doors in the old Farmers Market building seven years ago. We have more options at better prices, and we have a bigger space for gathering.”