The Flint Farmers Market Unveils Flint Food Works

July 25, 2014

A culinary business incubator inside a century-old Flint tradition

Flint Farmers' Market

I’m sure you have heard about the new Flint Farmers’ Market which opened it’s doors on Saturday, June 21st. The facility is amazing and is the new home to over 50 year-round vendors as well as 50 additional seasonal vendors who set up outdoors. The market will keep the same schedule it had on its previous site, being open only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This allows the farmers and other vendors to be able to work their other jobs or farm and still be a part of the market.

Many of the vendors made the move to the new location, while some vendors retired… but their employees started new businesses to carry on the tradition of being in the market. There has also been expansion for other local Flint businesses. For example, Mark and Meghan Hoffman, who also are the proprietors of Hoffman’s Deco Deli & Café, located in downtown Flint, opened up two new businesses in the market: Hoffman’s Chop Shop, a butcher shop and Floradora Flower Shop. “For me, this has been a dream come true,” Meghan says. “I am overwhelmed by the support and love from my family, the community, my coworkers and friends! Much love…Flint ROCKS!”

What many of you don’t know is that the new Flint Farmers’ Market has several other offerings deep inside its walls that are available to help small businesses grow. “We brought the market closer to the people,” explains Chef Sean Gartland, Culinary Director. “No matter where you are, you can end up downtown because, right across the street from our parking
lot is the MTA Bus Station which gives easy access to everyone.” This easy accessibility is a sentiment echoed again and again. “The market is for everybody,” says Dick Ramsdell, manager of the new bazaar. “The new facility is going to allow us to accomplish so many good things in the city of Flint.”

Part of this movement is brought on by the fact that it is not easy to get fresh fruits and vegetables in Flint. Many
families can’t travel far to get to grocery stores in order to buy fresh produce, so they end up getting what they can at local convenience stores. Thus, in order to encourage the purchase of fresh produce by shoppers, the market has ‘Double- Up Food Bucks’ available to those with Bridge Cards. This program, funded by the Fair Food Network, allows residents to purchase staples (meat, cheese, milk) and receive up to $20/day in reward money which can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables. If they purchase Michigan produce, the residents actually will get double their produce money.

A stumbling block after the residents purchase the fresh produce is the fact that some do not know how to prepare it, which often results in much of the produce going to waste. So to combat this problem, Dort Federal Credit Union has sponsored the new demonstration kitchen inside the market atrium. This kitchen will have live demonstrations each week featuring different foods, techniques, styles and more. It will also allow guest chefs and market vendors the opportunity to showcase their products and talents. “I think it is important to note that we have four classically trained chefs with a permanent place in our market. In addition to those chefs, we have all the other market chefs who may not have classical training but have a natural skill and talent in the kitchen,” Karianne Martus, Media/ Public Relations and Market Manager states. “Our goal is to teach people how to prepare fresh food; we want to show them how to get the most out of their dollars and how to make healthy meals,” Martus further explains.

Chef Gartland has also been instrumental in the development of Flint Food Works, which is home to the Culinary Incubator Program within the walls of the new Flint Farmers’ Market. This program is a new resource for entrepreneurs who want to take the next steps in developing their food concepts into a viable business. It is also perfect for those entrepreneurs who already are operating under the small cottage industry food law in their homes, but who want to expand their businesses and have an opportunity to grow. “Business owners who are interested in being part of the Incubator Program will have the opportunity to practice their procedures with [me] before they are evaluated for their certifications by the Michigan Department of Agriculture,” Chef Gartland explains. “I will be able to help prevent many of the common mistakes [owners of] new food businesses make, hopefully making certification go smoother.” Flint Food Works provides low-cost, low-risk, full-service kitchens for local businesses to grow and establish operations. The participants in the program will be guided and coached along their way, and there are a variety of resources available to those in the program, including packaging, website, design, distribution and more.

One of the vendors in the market, Galloping Grocer, specializes in the distribution of locally-made and high quality products. With this vendor at the market, participants in the Culinary Incubator program will have a warm introduction to a possible distribution resource for their products. “This is the perfect spot for someone who has [the] dream of launching a food business,” Chef Gartland explains. “A person who works all day can put the kids to bed at night come into the kitchen for a few hours [later] to produce [his or her] product and be back home and in bed…[ to] wake up with the kids in the morning.” This new concept also allows participants to keep their day jobs while they launch a new business -- without missing a beat. Well, maybe they will miss just a little sleep.

To apply to the program and become a member, there are several steps to take, including application, insurance, certifications, licensing, packaging and going through a kitchen orientation. Sound overwhelming? There’s no need to worry, for Chef Gartland will guide people through the process and help them on their way to make their dreams a reality.

FLINT FOOD WORKS
(LOCATED INSIDE THE FLINT
FARMERS’ MARKET)
300 E. FIRST ST. | FLINT, MICHIGAN
WWW.FLINTFOODWORKS.NET
(810) 447-0714

A Journey Overseas: Our Australian and New Zealand Visit

By Chelsea Mills • April 19, 2026
Exploring Sydney and Cairns in Australia and visiting Auckland, Rotorua and Taupo in New Zealand.

Drive Your Brand Further with Custom Golf Balls

April 15, 2026
Custom branded golf balls are one of those promotional items that just make sense. Whether you run a golf course, a tournament, a resort, or simply want a unique way to connect with clients, they offer a fun and practical way to keep your brand in play. Golf balls are naturally tied to relaxation, leisure, and connection . That makes them a powerful marketing tool. When your logo is on something that people are actually excited to use, your brand becomes part of a positive experience. Every swing, every round, and every time someone reaches into their bag, your business is right there with them. For golf-related businesses, branded balls are an easy win. They are great for member giveaways, tournaments, pro shop merchandise, and corporate outings. If you are not in the golf industry, they still make an excellent client gift or a memorable handout that feels personal and unexpected. It is a simple way to say “thanks for your business” while staying top of mind long after the first tee. Behind Your Design has recently created custom golf balls for The Ally Challenge , Epic Machine , and Lewis & Knopf . Each one was designed to reflect the brand while still feeling clean, professional, and ready for the course. And let’s be honest, it is hard to find a promotional item with more staying power. These are not getting tossed in a drawer and forgotten. They are getting teed up, driven down the fairway, and maybe even lost in a water hazard or two. Either way, your brand is along for the ride. When it comes to marketing, combining business with leisure is a hole-in-one strategy. It builds connection in a relaxed environment where people are already in a good mood and open to engagement. That kind of brand association is priceless. If you are ready to put your brand in play, contact Behind Your Design today and start creating custom golf balls that keep your business top of mind from the first tee to the final putt.

Fidget, Focus, and Your Brand Front and Center

April 15, 2026
If you’ve spent any time around kids lately or scrolling online, you’ve probably noticed one thing. Fidget toys are everywhere. From the viral popularity of NeeDoh stress ball style products to satisfying squeeze cubes and rings, these small but mighty items have become go-to tools for entertainment, stress relief, and focus. And right now, they are not just fun. They are a smart branding opportunity. Why Fidget Toys Work Fidget toys hit a sweet spot that most promotional products do not. They are: Used daily and not tossed in a drawer Helpful for focus and stress relief Appealing across ages, especially kids and teens Easy to share and talk about Whether it is in a classroom, at a desk, or during a meeting, people reach for these again and again. That means your brand gets seen again and again too. Real Examples, Real Impact We have recently helped clients turn this trend into something meaningful and memorable. Tanglewood Home Care created custom Sensory Squeeze Fidget Cubes as a thoughtful resource for individuals who benefit from tactile support. These are not just giveaways. They are tools that provide comfort, support focus, and create a positive connection back to the brand that provided them. We also partnered with Kettering University on a custom Orbit Fidget Ring. This is the kind of item students can use in class or meetings to stay engaged and focused without distraction. It is subtle, functional, and something they will actually keep. A Trend Worth Tapping Into Fidget toys are not just a passing moment. They have become part of how people manage stress and stay engaged, especially in environments where focus matters. Because they are already trending heavily online, they come with built-in attention. When your brand is part of something people already enjoy using, it does not feel like marketing. It simply fits into their daily routine. More Than a Giveaway The best promotional products are the ones people do not throw away. Fidget toys check that box easily. They are interactive, memorable, practical, and easy to customize with your brand. Most importantly, they create a positive experience every time someone uses them. Create Something People Want to Keep If you are looking for a fresh way to get your brand into people’s hands and keep it there, custom fidget toys are worth considering. From squeeze cubes to rings and beyond, we can help you create something that is not only on trend, but actually useful. Because when your brand becomes part of someone’s everyday routine, that is when it really sticks.

Picture-Perfect Branding: Why Photo Prop Signage Works

April 15, 2026
There’s something special about capturing a milestone moment, especially when it’s paired with a great photo. Whether it’s the excitement of closing on a new home, celebrating a big win, or marking a major life event, people want to share those moments. That’s where photo prop signage becomes a powerful and often overlooked marketing tool. Take a real estate office providing a custom acrylic sign for new homeowners. It might say something like “Just Sold!” or “Welcome Home,” while also showcasing the agent’s name and brand. Every time a client snaps a photo and shares it on social media, that brand goes right along with it. Celebrating Them While Promoting You The beauty of photo prop signage is that it doesn’t feel like advertising. It feels like part of the celebration. You’re giving clients something fun and share-worthy while naturally weaving your brand into the moment. Instead of a traditional ad people scroll past, you become part of a story they want to share. Built-In Visibility & Repetition Marketing is all about repetition and recognition. The more people see your brand, the more familiar and trusted it becomes. Photo prop signage helps make that happen in an organic way: The same sign shows up across multiple clients and celebrations Shared photos extend your reach beyond your immediate audience Your branding becomes associated with positive, meaningful moments Over time, that consistent visual presence can make a real impact.

A VIP Night to Remember at Medawar's

April 14, 2026
Behind Your Design recently had the opportunity to once again partner with Medawar’s in Flint Township to create a VIP experience for their most valued customers. This is a relationship that means a great deal to us because it goes all the way back to 2009 when we first began working with their team. Over the years, our partnership has grown into one that includes trust, creativity, and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful experiences. For this event, our team handled everything from the initial invitation design and mailing, to the digital Evite and event signage, making sure every detail felt consistent and elevated from the very first touchpoint. The goal was to create something that felt special before guests even arrived. When guests stepped on site, they were welcomed into a fully transformed outdoor lounge experience inside a heated tent. The space was designed to feel warm, inviting, and luxurious , with a hand-rolled cigar station, passed hors d’oeuvres, live acoustic music, craft cocktails, comfortable lounge seating, an ice sculpture, and an interactive luxury vehicle display. It was all about creating an atmosphere where people could slow down, connect, and enjoy the evening. Inside, guests were able to browse and try on beautiful jewelry in a relaxed, social setting while enjoying cocktails and conversation. The experience was intentionally designed to feel personal rather than transactional, giving guests the space to truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece. We also created curated gift bags for attendees that included thoughtful, high-end items like cigar cutters , a premium lighter , stainless steel mugs , jewelry boxes , and watch cases . Guests were entered into a drawing for a stunning diamond necklace, adding a fun moment of anticipation to the night. Inside the showroom, a coffee bar and dessert offerings from CRUST Bakery rounded out the experience. Looking back, this event is a reflection of a long-standing partnership with Medawar’s that we truly value. From their brand refresh in 2023 to years of event design and marketing support, we’re grateful to continue evolving alongside their team and helping bring their vision to life in memorable ways.

From Spills to Squeaks: Promo Products That Save the Day

April 14, 2026
When it comes to branded promotional products, the best items aren’t just eye-catching, they’re useful, trusted, and kept. That’s exactly what makes these co-branded essentials featuring Tide and WD-40 such standout options. They go beyond typical giveaways by becoming everyday problem-solvers your audience will actually carry, use, and appreciate. Practical Products People Reach For A Tide to Go + Oxi pen is the kind of product people need in real-life moments for coffee spills before a meeting, lunch mishaps in the car, or last-minute touch-ups before an event. It’s compact, easy to store, and incredibly effective, making it something users will keep within arm’s reach at all times. Pair that with the WD-40 Precision Pen, and now you’ve covered both personal and practical needs. From fixing squeaky hinges to loosening tight bolts, this kit becomes a go-to solution for quick fixes at home, in the office, or on the road. Built-In Brand Trust = Instant Credibility One of the biggest advantages of these products is the power of co-branding with names people already trust. Tide and WD-40 aren’t just recognizable, they’re relied upon. When your brand is placed alongside them, it inherits that same sense of reliability and quality. Instead of introducing your audience to something unfamiliar, you’re aligning your brand with products they already know work. That creates a stronger, faster connection and makes your promotional item feel more valuable from the start. 
Show More