West Bend, WI – Green Dog Market, 237 N. Main Street, in West Bend, WI, held a soft open Friday, January 19, 2024, and neighbors welcomed the new store with open arms. “It’s about connecting and inspiring an entire community. When we know better, we do better; let’s do better together,” said owner Stefanie Ulma.
When the doors opened at 10;30 a.m. the “little store that could” was a buzz of activity as customers poured over the unique products and melted into the comfortable atmosphere.
Ulma, who lives in West Bend, felt the community needed a store like this.
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The selection at Green Dog Market is fresh with some vintage flair and the selection leans heavily organic. Ulma strongly follows the guidelines “you are what you eat.” That includes what you feed your pet and she will have plenty of healthy items in stock for animals as well.
The makeup of the store has an old-school grocery feel. Blonde hardwood floor, decorative high shelves, kitschy products that have a 1960’s design, and a rolling ladder behind the counter to help reach items higher up.
Atop the black shelves on the back bar are large black block letters that spell out Green Dog Market; one of the E’s is noticeably tilted. “That’s intentional,” said Ulma. “Everyone starts their journey in a different place and it’s not going to be perfect.
“This past year I’ve learned so much – I found myself saying ‘I didn’t know that’ and I feel obligated to share with people what I’ve learned on my journey towards a healthier life. This store is a representation of that.”
Click HERE for a sneak peek inside Green Dog Market
Ulma’s journey has been through many phases from a public school teacher to restaurant owner and now local grocer. The store has carried a bit of flavor over from The Grasshopper, Ulma’s former restaurant.
Tucked in the back by a cozy leather couch is a framed black-and-white photo of 1950’s British actress Audrey Hepburn – she is someone Ulma admires for her genuine kindness and humanitarian legacy. It is a model Ulma embraces in her store.
A portion of her web page reads:
Green Dog Market is more than just a grocery store. It is an experience you will want to repeat daily. …Having a store built around integrity and trust is most important to me. Come in and let me know what I can do to be your grocer.
Some of the simple things that will make Green Dog Market standout downtown are the wicker baskets full of fresh fruits and vegetables. There are freezers of locally produced meat and a special freezer with paddle ice cream from Honey Grove, a familiar vendor at the Farmers’ Market.
Click HERE to follow Green Dog Market on Instagram
Ulma will also be serving homemade salads and sandwiches. “I’m going to try to keep my sandwiches as original as I did at the restaurant,” she said.
“I want this to be unique experience for people; I want to be their local grocer. I am hoping they let me know what I don’t have, what I can get for them that type of thing.”
The opening continues Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Green Dog Market will be open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Click HERE for a list of vendors.