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Liberty Lake Organic Market opened Feb. 3 at 21980 E. Country Vista Drive, Suite 100.

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Liberty Lake Organic Market launches
2/25/2015 12:27:13 PM

By Mary Kate Koch
Splash Contributor

While organics may be confusing or intimidating to some, Kramer McNett and Heather DelCarlo have found their passion in it. After a transformative stint in Hawaii, Liberty Lake locals McNett and DelCarlo moved back to the area and launched the Liberty Lake Organic Market.

"My girlfriend and I lived in Hawaii for a while and enjoyed going to the local farmers market," McNett said. "That access to local produce is something we wanted to bring to the community when we moved back to Liberty Lake. We started the store because we have a passion for organics."

When McNett and DelCarlo lived in Hawaii, they practiced vegetarianism, but have returned to an omnivorous lifestyle since moving back to Liberty Lake. However, they still try to restrict gluten from their diets and eat organic as much as they can. The pair are applying the diet and lifestyle expertise to running the new market. 

An organics store stocks more than just fresh produce from local farmers. The Liberty Lake Organic Market also offers grass-fed meats, vegetarian protein alternatives, gluten free foods, teas, hygiene products and many other organic items. All of these products are as locally sourced and preservative-free as McNett and DelCarlo can find them. According to McNett, the Liberty Lake Organic Market has a price range comparable to Main Market in downtown Spokane, which they view as both a competitor and role model. 

"We work with Spokane Family Farms, Rocky Ridge Ranch and Ronnigers Organics, as well as Bare Culture and Namaste in Coeur d'Alene," McNett said. "These meetings are casual. We identify organic products that are healthy and good, and then work to partner with the company. The difficulty has been getting in touch with local farmers. They are busy guys."

The Liberty Lake Organic Market had its soft opening on Feb. 3 and was met with favorable reviews from community members who expressed appreciation for the new addition of local organics suppliers. McNett and DelCarlo are still planning on a grand opening somewhere in the near future. 

"We are still hoping to have a grand opening later in the spring," McNett said. "We are aiming for that to be around March or April, but it will be a little weather dependent. We want the farmers to have as much produce as possible for the opening."

McNett and DelCarlo are the co-owners and co-managers of the store. According to McNett, while both of them have had lots of experience in the industry, this is their first shot at business ownership. McNett is enjoying the opening as a fun learning experience. 

"My favorite part so far has been the people we've met," McNett said. "We've met a lot of people who have the same interests as us and have learned a lot from them. Meeting people with food allergies has also been an enlightening experience. We've learned how difficult everyday grocery shopping can be for them. We're here to make their life a little bit easier."   

Although the Liberty Lake Organic Market is still brand new, McNett already has dreams of expanding the store in an effort to become a community center for any organic product need. This eagerness is congruent with McNett and DelCarlo's desire to learn as much as they can about the nuances of organics and dietary needs. 

"In the future, we want to add a deli," McNett said. "We have a drive-thru window already, and we want to begin selling drinks through that soon. We will serve kombucha (a sweetened, fermented tea), organic coffee, smoothies and juices so that we're geared toward offering as many local options to the community that we can."

With a passion for both organics and filling a role in the community, McNett and DeCarlo are happy to serve as liaison for anyone feeling that organics are a little confusing or intimidating. 

• • • 

IF YOU GO ...
Liberty Lake Organic Market
21980 E. Country Vista Dr., # 100
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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