Uptown will host its first farmers market beginning June 12. I spoke with Dan Sutton and Jack McKann about how it came to be, the challenges of operating as a small producer in an Amazon-dominated economy, and what it might mean for foot traffic in the neighborhood.
Launching something new is never easy. This market took collaboration among volunteers, community groups, and city officials. It’s a reminder of how difficult it is to build—and how easily things can fall apart. It shows the community is serious about a comeback.
The artists, musicians, and farmers behind this effort deserve credit. We plan to attend and hope others will too. (Dogs aren’t allowed; ours, Zelda, would find the food and crowds far too tempting anyway.)
Where to Find More Information
The first ad by https://markhermanstudio.com/
And here's info about HOTTEA: https://www.pbs.org/video/HOTTEA-642752H-1/
Interview Outline
I. Introduction
Interview with Dan Sutton (Uptown resident, Round Peg Consultancy) and Jack McCann (TC Farm founder).
Goal: Launch a new farmers market in Uptown Minneapolis.
II. Background and Genesis
Inspired by the East Isles Farmers Market.
Ran for nearly 5 years but was put on hold due to financial loss and construction.
New vision: a larger, Uptown-wide farmers market to reinvigorate the business district.
III. Community and Organizational Support
Collaboration with all 8 surrounding neighborhood associations.
Support from:
Minneapolis Foundation (led by R.T. Rybak)
Metro Transit (discounted fares + city-wide advertising)
Uptown Association
Seven Points (former Calhoun Square) – donated venue space
IV. Logistics and Launch Details
Opening Day: June 12
Duration: 16 weeks, Thursdays 4–8 PM
Location: Behind Seven Points, including Girard Plaza and adjacent parking lot
Parking: $7 flat rate in Seven Points garage; metered parking also available
Pets: Service dogs only at launch (dog area under consideration)
V. Features and Offerings
Products: Produce, meat, flowers, cottage foods (jams, sourdough), personal care items, some crafts
Entertainment: Live music, buskers, chef demos featuring local Uptown restaurants
Art and Branding:
Yarn installation by HOT TEA (Eric Rieger)
Poster design by Mark Herman Studio
Contributions from other Minnesota artists
VI. TC Farm and Minnesota Food Club
Jack’s background: hobby farm → TC Farm (aggregated CSA model)
Minnesota Food Club:
Supports local vendors with logistics, online orders, and cross-marketing
Vendors can sell online and share customer revenue across products
Pre-order platform integrated with UptownMarket.org
Goal: help vendors compete with Whole Foods/Amazon
VII. Vendor Recruitment and Challenges
Late start in vendor recruitment affects produce planning
Barriers to entry:
Time and cost for vendors
Need for simplicity and low fees to make it sustainable
Farmer profitability issues: many direct-to-consumer farms earn very little per customer/month
8% annual attrition rate among small farmers
VIII. Permitting and Bureaucracy
City provided ~$42,000 in grants (staff and in-kind marketing)
Permitting complexity: many overlapping licenses and unclear guidance
Suggestion: city could benefit from a dedicated small business navigator
Positive experience with MN Department of Agriculture
IX. Vision and Lasting Impact
Reignite public and business interest in Uptown
Drive foot traffic through events (market + movie, market + music)
Help residents and businesses reclaim community identity and pride
Gradual build-out with new features added week by week
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