It’s hard to believe, but here we are—celebrating one incredible year of Fairfax Market! What began as a place to grab groceries has grown into a community where neighbors support local makers, discover new favorites, and celebrate the heart of Cleveland.
We’ve come a long way in one year, and we’re excited to look back on some of the highlights and milestones that made 2024 special. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the impact we’ve had together and what’s to come.
Grand Opening with Heart
When we opened Fairfax Market in January 2024, we knew it was more than about us—it was about the whole community. We kicked off with contributions to local organizations that make a difference every day, including $10,000 to Karamu House and $15,000 to the Fairfax Recreation Center. Over the past year, we’ve built on these efforts, working with the Recreation Center to support programs like after-school snacks, the annual Fairfax Reunion picnic, and Big City Boo.
Local Vendors, Big Dreams
We wouldn’t be where we are without our amazing vendors, and it’s been a joy watching them do such incredible things. Here's a snapshot of what our vendors accomplished last year:
Bakery 57 didn’t just do well—they broke sales records, showing how much love the community has for their goods.
D’s Sweet Treats took a big step, transitioning into a full-time bakery and making a name for themselves in the process.
Zuzu Chocolates has been doing more than crafting delicious treats—they’ve also been using their success to fund Alzheimer’s research, making a real difference.
Akron Honey, a local favorite, has expanded beyond the area thanks to the Meijer Local Favorites program.
Catlin Naturals a Fairfax resident, now has a full assortment of natural products on our shelves, bringing her hometown roots to our customers.
Bringing the Community Together
Fairfax Market isn’t just about shopping—it’s about community. This year, we’ve created spaces for connection, whether it was at our Meet the Makers Markets, themed events, or cooking demos with Chef Wells. These moments were about people coming together, sharing ideas, and discovering something new.
Meet the Makers Markets
Spotlighting local vendors from across Cleveland and Ohio, these monthly themed markets included celebrations of Black-owned and women-owned businesses, as well as seasonal events like Fall Fest and Holiday Maker’s Market.
Cooking with Chef Wells
Led by local chef Eric Wells and started in February 2024, these cooking demos showcased easy and hearty meals using Fairfax Market ingredients.
Neighborhood Conversations
In collaboration with the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation, these monthly coffee socials delved into Fairfax's rich history and culture, featuring topics such as the neighborhood's musical legacy and available resources for residents.
Cleveland Clinic Workshops
In partnership with our neighbors at the Cleveland Clinic, we developed Food is Medicine workshops alongside dietitians to encourage healthy eating and smart shopping habits using fresh ingredients from Fairfax Market.
To enhance our Senior Days initiative, we also introduced senior chair yoga classes with support from the Cleveland Clinic's yoga team.
Supporting Our Community’s Growth
As much as Fairfax Market is about supporting local makers, it’s also about supporting our community as a whole. This year, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with organizations doing incredible work in Cleveland.
Case Western Reserve University: Fairfax Market has actively supported education and wellness initiatives by sponsoring events such as the Spartan Open Golf Outing and the Nourishing Power Fellowship graduation, as well as hosting in-store field trips and activities for the National Youth Sports Program at CWRU.
Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation: Recognized as Partner of the Year, Fairfax Market collaborated on community cleanups and events, strengthening neighborhood ties.
Greater Urban League of Cleveland: Store Director Alan Jordan dedicated two consecutive years to coaching, judging, and mentoring students in the Black Women in Retail program, helping to strengthen connections with Black and women-owned businesses in the Cleveland area. Today, several program graduates proudly have their products featured on the shelves of Fairfax Market!
Meijer Simply Give: Partnering with Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, Fairfax Market shoppers raised over $10,000 in 2024 to support their pantry through Meijer’s Simply Give program and Double Match days.
Meijer Team Gives: Supporting the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, the team at Fairfax Market nominated these organizations for $5,000 grants to further their missions.
Thank YOU for an Unforgettable Year
To all of our customers, vendors, and partners—thank you for making this year one we’ll always remember. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re so excited for what’s to come. We hope you’ll continue to visit, shop, and celebrate with us as we keep building something special together.