Ellston welcomes The Fox Market
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Re-designing the space previously occupied by the Foxy Bobcat, new owners Scott Dean and Mark Matteo, and general manager Brooke Gepner, are infusing The Fox Market with an artisan experience. Offering kitchen staples, basic necessities like milk and eggs and gourmet party foods, The Fox Market is one of several businesses for “head fox” Scott Dean.
He is also the owner and principal designer of Scott’s Creative Home, an interior design company that serves Des Moines and surrounding areas.
Visitors packed the newly redesigned space during opening day at The Fox Market in Ellston.
Behind the scenes, private contractor Steve Thomas is helping make Scott’s vision for the new store come to life. Originally hired as a drywaller, Steve spent many evenings and weekends moonlighting at one of Scott’s design studios. Better known as Scott’s “personal handyman,” Brooke considers Steve to be a key member of the interior design team.
The Fox Market in Ellston opened for business on Sunday, May 26, and held their official grand opening celebration Saturday, July 6, offering an eclectic mix of gourmet foods, home décor, lake wear, and other unique boutique items.
Sun Valley Lake visitors and area residents are gobbling up beef sticks from Timber Ridge Farms, Weaver Meats, and snacks from other local food suppliers.
Connecting with local suppliers like Lincoln, Shawna, Lane and Tyce Parrish, who make LT Farms Snack Mix, has been fruitful.
“We sold out within three hours of opening,” said Brooke, speaking of LT Farms.
They receive fresh artisan bread delivery from Keller’s every Friday, including bordelais sourdough, roasted garlic and cheese, and olive and garlic foccacia.
Freshly prepared meals and casseroles that feed four to six people are also available in Fox Market freezers. Lizzie’s Kitchen out of Leon offers nine different take and bake meals including breakfast casseroles, lasagna, burritos and other family favorites.
The freezers are also stocked with Pasquale’s Pizza, another Iowa favorite made in Humboldt.
Grand River Fudge, fresh pies, cinnamon rolls, ice cream, grab-n-go snacks, shelf stable items, beer, wine and other drinks are also available.
The Fox Market also holds tastings for visitors to indulge in a selection of products available in store.
“The possibilities are endless with the building,” says Brooke.
She moved her clothing boutique from the Brick Plex in Mount Ayr to Ellston at the end of May, and is now overseeing the daily operation of The Fox Market.
Brooke went to the Atlanta market last fall with Scott and Mark and the three of them spent many months brainstorming prior to opening. The space is still evolving, as they finish building out the upstairs to add a hair and nail salon with private bridal parties or women’s retreats in mind.
During the summer, the store opens on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. They are open until 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. While they plan to be open during the holiday season, they will likely close the store during January and February.
You can explore The Fox Market at 201 Main Street in Ellston, or plan your visit online at:
www.thefoxmarket.net
