In July, CL connected with local private chef, Joy Haskins, better known as Chef Joy to hear about her mission to bring a marketplace and community garden to Tampa.
Thyme + Bloom Market is an affordable produce market and fresh juice bar that will provide pantry items, wellness products, an indoor herb garden, an outdoor community garden, and mobile food pantry.
Since late June, Haskins has been working tirelessly to make this dream a reality. It began with a GoFundMe page looking to raise $10,000 to launch Thyme + Bloom Market. In just 29 days after launching the fundraising campaign, the chef reached her goal from nearly 200 donors.
On August 31, Haskins secured what is to be the future home of Thyme + Bloom Market at 4202 W. Waters Ave. Suite 5 in Tampa near the beloved Saigon Deli.
For the last few weeks, the chef/entrepreneur has been working on renovations. Locals are invited to watch along through Thyme + Bloom’s Instagram (@thymeandbloomtpa) highlights.
The soft opening for the market is scheduled for Saturday, November 7 from 1-4 p.m., followed by the grand opening Tuesday, November 10.
Tickets for the opening event will be free, but limited as to regulate social distancing at this time. Guests will be able to get the first peek at the market, shop early, and meet the chef herself. If you’re not quite ready to make an in-person visit, Haskins also plans to open the market’s online shop in the coming weeks.
The chef’s GoFundMe page is now up to $11,590 and is slowly climbing to her new overall goal of $15,000. To continue the growth and momentum of Haskin’s mission to make Thyme + Bloom a sustainable fixture in Tampa, you can donate to the GoFundMe page or shop on the private chef’s online marketplace EatsandSuch.com.
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