Farm to Table (at the Farm)

Farm to table is a phrase that is very popular now. This week’s Cambro Featured Foodservice Business, Taproot Farm, embodies that concept perfectly.

Christine Mittnacht, Owner/Chef/Farmer, introduces us to Taproot Farm in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

What inspired Christine to get into foodservice?

“My father bought a cookbook (I still have it) and said that he had decided to take up cooking as a hobby. Before an hour was up, I had found a recipe and was halfway through teaching myself the prep (I was 14 or so). He laughed and said ‘OK, you cook, I’ll go buy wine’ and my path was set!”

What does she absolutely love about her business?

“I love being able to teach clients/customers everything about what they are eating – how the animals and veggies were raised, harvested, prepped, and how to cook (or not!) the products.”

That’s certainly going beyond the recipe.

What’s the most interesting/coolest/oddest thing to happen at Taproot Farm?

“I love finding surprise babies. Mamas don’t always follow the plan :-)”

Biggest business challenge Christine had to overcome?

“Buying this farm, in this economy, was rough. We had been about to buy a building in town to convert into a cafe but the SBA loan fell through at the last minute, but that gave me the I’ll-show-you guts to get a beginner farmer’s loan and buy the farm we live on – with a loan added to turn part of the garage into a prep kitchen and butcher space!!”

What Cambro products can be found around Taproot Farm?

“Cambro’s logo is everywhere here. I store feed, organize “parts” (livers, hearts, etc) when butchering, use containers for prepping demos at regional corporations as well as local companies, divide up bulk grain products, and more.”

We are glad to be a part of helping Christine and this great foodservice and farm business grow! Continued success Christine!

As the featured foodservice business of the week, Christine will receive a storage container gift pack.

Checkout Taproot Farm on Facebook.