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Homestead market aims to provide space to local vendors

Jan 23, 2022 | 9:36 AM

MEDICINE HAT,AB– It all started off as an idea for couple Kristian and Kara Danroth. An idea that would see local vendors all under one roof, and the smells of strong espresso throughout.

” We had seen some shops like this in central Alberta and they just seemed to thrive in the communities, and they do so well and we thought Medicine Hat doesn’t have anything like this and so we wanted to bring something like this here,” Kara Danroth said.

In the early fall, the couple got to work on their dream transforming an old Nissan dealership into a coffee shop and market.

” There was so many hours of hard, hard work. When we walked in here the first thing that we loved was the bright windows and the view. It is just such a bright location, and the windows are so bright and welcoming so we kind of just started to get a vision. I have a girlfriend in design, and she helped us map out her thoughts,” Danroth said.

A nurse by trade Kara Danroth, will be taking a break to work on the market full-time, and her kids will be helping her run the market.

Right now there are 25 vendors featured at the market with new items coming in every day. The coffee shop also comes equipped with a drive-thru which is unique given the store is not a franchise.

“Highway 3 passing here is so busy, and there really is nothing on this end of town so to service Desert Blume, and the Echo Dale road people can stop by on the way out there and grab a coffee or Ice cream and just carry on, they don’t have to go hunting for something in town.

Danroth hopes the Homestead Market will become a destination for people both in Medicine Hat and the surrounding area.

The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The drive-thru will be open the same days but earlier starting at 6:30 a.m.