Farm-to-Table is a buzzword, We want to make it a reality.
At Shepherds Table, our mission is to bridge the gap between Minnesota Producers and their community via a storefront selling Minnesota-based cheeses, coffee, bread, vegetables, and as many other goods as we can. We endeavor to create a space where good food, community values, and cooperative support for farmers can intersect.
Our Mission
By purchasing directly from producers, we’re able to cut out the middleman. This allows us to purchase the goods at a fair price from our local suppliers and pass the savings onto both them and our community.
Growing up on the farm, local produce and food was integral to our way of life. Whether it was the vegetable CSA down the road, or the coffee farmer next to us at the Saint Paul Farmer’s Market, the people who kept the food on our table were always close at hand.
When the opportunity to open Shepherds Table arose, we leapt at the opportunity. Two owners, Elia & Aidan Read, are South Minneapolis residents, this store is the marrying of our family’s love of small Minnesota Producers and our love of the neighborhood.
When the building that houses Shepherds Table was built, in the early 20s, the neighborhood was dotted with small family businesses. This building housed a grocer, butcher, and barber. The family that ran the grocery store lived in the apartment above the shop. In the decades since, commerce has been centralized and moved away from the neighborhoods. Driving through Longfellow, you can see numerous houses that were once businesses. Part of Shepherds Table’s mission is to move commerce and producers back to the neighborhood; bridging the gap between us and the farmers/producers that supply us.
Longfellow Neighborhood ~ 3708 East 34th St, Minneapolis MN 55406 ~
Longfellow Neighborhood ~ 3708 East 34th St, Minneapolis MN 55406 ~
Who are we?
We are a small, family owned and operated business, run by the Read family. The parents of our family, Steven Read & Jodi Ohlsen Read, are the folks behind Shepherds Way Farms, a small sustainable sheep dairy outside of Northfield. Jodi has been making cheese by hand for over twenty years, and is one of the most highly awarded individual cheesemakers in America. Our sheep are pasture raised, ethically cared for, and every wheel of cheese is made on our farm! Along with Jodi and Steven, there are four sons: Aidan, Elia, Isaiah, and Maitias Read. Despite some brothers having careers outside of the farm, they have all remained involved in the farm and passionate about local farmers.
In 2022, Elia got to know one of his neighbors, Lori Mardock. Lori has lived in South Minneapolis for many years and owns the building our shop is housed in, she has long envisioned the building as a community space. When the unit at the end of the building opened, Lori and Elia started dreaming of a space that could be used as a space for food, art, community, and organizing. Elia took the idea back to his family and the early idea of Shepherds Table was born.
In the shop we will carry local cheesemakers, fresh milks/butter/eggs, Minnesota-Made fresh bread and pastries, pottery, art, fresh cut flowers, and of course - coffee! We will look forward to seeing you and want to become the local spot to stop in for a quick bite or to entertain.
The space had not been used for a food shop before, so the process has been slower than we expected. If you’re able, please check into our shop - we have created some membership options that provide liquidity as we start this venture from scratch, in exchange for free coffee, cheese, and more!
Support Us as We Get Ready to Open!
Please Check Out Our Initial Memberships to Support the Mission!
Flock Founder Member
Passionate about local cheese, bread, and artists? Join as a Flock Founder and enjoy free coffee for six months, a private cheese and wine tasting, and more!
Shepherds Friend Member
Get free coffee and more to support our venture!
