Union Market and Good Food Mercantile to Host Small Business Breakfast Panel on April 1

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, April 1, responsible San Francisco food trade show Good Food Mercantile will host entrepreneurs, good food crafters and more culinary insiders for the first time in Washington during a free small business breakfast panel at 9am at northeast D.C.'s vibrant district Union Market (1309 5th Street NE) that continues to cement the D.C. region as a driver in the thriving food scene.  

Good Food Foundation Executive Director Sara Weiner will introduce the panel, which will be moderated by healthcare expert and chef Zeke Emanuel.  

"There are so many good dishes and drinks being made in and around D.C., much of it 'undiscovered' by the rest of the country, so we couldn't think of a better city for the Good Food Mercantile to visit, or a better partner than Union Market," says Weiner.  

Topics will include starting and scaling businesses in the food space and the unique experiences of food vendors. Panelists include: 

• Elias Cairo, founder of charcuterie Olympia Provisions
• Danielle Vogel, founder of Glen's Garden Market
• Ann Yang, co-founder of MISFIT Juicery
• Shanika McCloud, founder of food-grade skincare producer Greenplicity
• Sarah Gordon, co-owner of Gordy's Pickles

The panelists will discuss their individual experiences, takeaways, challenges and opportunities, providing commentary on the importance of small business in the food industry and the significance of Good Food Mercantile in the District.  

"Whenever Americans put their mind to things, they inevitably make the best. We did it in wine and now we are doing it in all manner of artisanal foods, from olive oils and chocolates to cheeses, soups, and juices. We are just entering the era of great American foods that will be the envy of the world. At Union Market we will taste the future of food," says Emanuel.  

With more than 82 crafters participating, Union Market is thrilled to host DC's first-ever Good Food Mercantile on April 2. The "un-trade show" for tasty, authentic, responsible food, the Mercantile brings together the country's top food and drink crafters, many of them Good Food Award Winners, with a growing community of retailers that value quality, care and craftsmanship for an industry only, intimate gathering at Dock 5. 

Additionally, over this weekend, March 31 to April 2, Union Market will host good food crafter pop-ups including Olympia Provisions, Greenplicity, ENZO Olive Oil, Choquette and cookbook author Joan Nathan. For more information on pop-up schedule, please visit www.unionmarketdc.com.  

To RSVP for the free breakfast panel, please click here. Chefs, retailers and hospitality professionals looking to purchase tickets to Good Food Mercantile, please click here.  

ABOUT GOOD FOOD FOUNDATION  The Good Food Foundation is a 510(c)3 Nonprofit organization led by Sarah Weiner and Dominic Phillips, who have united their diverse skills to support the sustainable food movement. Through focused events and strategic models we engage the public in finding better ways to feed our communities. Our collaborative approach draws upon the wealth of talent and creativity of our colleagues and community organizations. 

ABOUT UNION MARKET  The Union Market District is a 45-acre district in NE that is one of DC's most vibrant, diverse and thriving neighborhoods—a living laboratory for a sustainable urban community and place for creative minds and businesses to connect, thrive, launch and make DC their own. Since opening in September 2012, The Market at Union Market, the acclaimed food market with over 40 local scalable businesses, averages 15,000 visitors per weekend and has hosted over 400 community and private events. On May 4, 2016 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser hosted a private reception at Union Market's Lab 1270 in honor of Small Business Week and signed the Made in DC Program Establishment Act of 2016 legislation on-site. For more information about Union Market, please visit www.unionmarketdc.com.

SOURCE Union Market