Tucked away on the bustling streets of downtown Johnson City, Tennessee, Piere's Marketplace stands as a beacon of culinary delight for locals and visitors alike.
Located at 205 E. Main Street, this curated grocery store offers a unique shopping experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Appalachia while championing local producers and artisans.
Step inside Piere's Marketplace, and you are immediately greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly-baked bread and the sight of colorful displays brimming with farm-fresh produce.
The store's rustic charm and warm ambiance provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll down its aisles, where every shelf tells a story of the region's rich culinary heritage.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Piere Herrmann and Jules Tovar-Herrmann, Piere's Marketplace is more than just a grocery store; it's a labor of love and a testament to their passion for food and community.
"We wanted to create a space where people could not only find the best local ingredients but also connect with the farmers and artisans behind them," Herrmann said.
True to its mission, Piere's Marketplace boasts an impressive selection of locally-sourced goods, from handcrafted cheeses and artisanal bread to farm-fresh eggs and organic produce.
Every item on the shelves is carefully curated to ensure the highest quality and flavor, with a focus on supporting the vibrant agricultural community of Appalachia.
"We're proud to work directly with local farmers and producers, forging meaningful relationships with the community around us," Herrmann said. "By sourcing locally, we're able to offer our customers the freshest, most delicious products while supporting our community's economy and sustainability efforts."
One of the highlights of Piere's Marketplace is its ever-changing seasonal offerings, which reflect the ebb and flow of the region's agricultural calendar. From juicy peaches and sweet corn in the summer to hearty root vegetables and artisanal chocolates in the winter, each visit promises a new culinary adventure, with plenty of opportunities to discover and savor the flavors of Appalachia.
For Johnson City residents like Madison Hankla, Piere's Marketplace has become an indispensable part of their culinary repertoire.
"I love knowing that I can find the freshest ingredients and support local farmers without having to travel far," Hankla says. "Plus, the staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable, making every shopping trip a pleasure."
As Piere's Marketplace continues to flourish and grow, the owners remain committed to their vision of creating a culinary destination that celebrates the flavors of Appalachia and fosters a sense of community among its patrons.
“Whether it's a quick afternoon pick me up or ingredients for a delicious meal, Piere’s has everything you could need, and then some,” said Abigail Fields, a local resident.
Piere’s will celebrate their one year anniversary in the fall of 2024. They plan to continue to provide fresh, local goods to the Johnson City community for many years to come.
To stay up to date, follow them on Instagram or Facebook, or visit their website.