We had the good fortune of connecting with Farmside Kitchen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Farmside, how does your business help the community?

In a few ways!

1. Buying Local: At Farmside Kitchen, we’re committed to sourcing locally whenever we can. We prioritize partnerships with farms and suppliers who share our vision for a sustainable agricultural future – one that benefits our partners, the planet and our guests. This not only helps our local farm ecosystem, but also reduces our carbon footprint by cutting down on transit time, minimizing packaging, and ensuring our dishes feature the freshest, most nutrient-dense ingredients available.

2. Fostering a Happy & Healthy Culture: Our purpose is to nourish a happier and healthier way of living. This extends beyond the impact we hope to have on our guests – in fact, it starts on the inside. We work hard to foster a culture where our team members are empowered to lead lives of both mental and physical well-being – where our people enjoy coming to work and are inspired to provide exceptional customer service for our guests. We deeply value and acknowledge our team members’ contributions, not only to the company but also to one another. We take care of our people, we promote from within and we adhere strictly to our values: Friendliness, Accountability, Realness, Mindset and Sustainability (FARMS). We’re proud of the company we’re creating together.

3. Like-Minded Partners: We seek out partnerships with like-minded people and organizations to help support our local community. We rarely do paid advertising – instead, we partner with groups who are aligned with our company purpose and values, like the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, One Tree Planted and local collegiate athletes leading a life of wellbeing and generosity. We love giving back to our community and prioritize great causes we believe in. 

What should our readers know about your business?

At Farmside Kitchen, we’re not just about food; we’re on a mission to inspire a healthier, happier way of life. Our purpose-driven team is dedicated to creating a sustainable, community-centric business that enriches the lives of both our guests and team members alike. We prioritize sourcing locally to support our farmers and reduce our carbon footprint. Our culture is rooted in well-being, kindness, and authenticity, and you can feel the difference from the moment you step through our doors.

We take pride in our commitment to local sourcing, cultivating a culture of well-being, and crafting nourishing experiences for our guests. Our journey hasn’t been without challenges. Building a brand centered on sustainability and well-being requires unwavering dedication to our values and a willingness to persevere. We faced obstacles, particularly early on during the pandemic, but we believe that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. We’ve stayed true to our purpose, collaborating with like-minded partners, and consistently seeking out innovative solutions and ways to have a better impact on our community, our people and the planet.

We want the world to know that Farmside Kitchen represents a commitment to conscious living, eating nutritious foods, fostering well-being, and supporting local communities. We believe that every meal should be a source of nourishment, connection, and joy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Eat – Farmside, of course! Alley 26, Parker & Otis, Rue Cler, Parts & Labor, Kingfisher and Fullsteam Brewery (to drink), Durham Food Hall Stay – on the fancier side: Fearrington Inn (great for families, too!) or Durham Hotel. Lots of great Airbnb options, too!
Visit – UNC Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, Duke Gardens, catch a Durham Bulls game, attend a yoga class at Midtown Yoga, Eno River State Park hiking, Durham Farmers Market, Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, Duke Forest and American Tobacco trails.

 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Meg Schiffman is CEO and Co-Founder of Farmside Kitchen. For her, navigating the journey of growth and leadership has been an incredible ride, thanks to the invaluable support and inspiration from a diverse group of individuals and influential books:
1 – The Team. From our Board Members to our Team Members, Farmside has been surrounded by really, really great people. They are kind, generous, supportive, engaged – and there is a general shared feeling that we’re all on the same team. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their collective efforts and passion.

2 – The Trail Angels. Uncovering my inner leadership qualities has, and continues to be, a fascinating journey. Along the way, I’ve been heavily influenced by a small group of local entrepreneurs who share challenges and support one another through the ups and downs of the work. Professional coach Leslie Austin played an integral role in helping me align with my innate leadership abilities, lessons that continue to resonate across all facets of my life. Most importantly, my family. They are my glue, my joy, my champions and the loves of my life!

3 – Books. Countless books have had a profound impact on my leadership journey, offering wisdom and practical tools for both personal and professional growth. A few that have left an enduring impression include “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership,” “The Soul of Money,” “Already Free,” “Traction,” “Living Untethered,” and “Letting Go.”

Image Credits
Sarah Gerrity Stacey Sprenz

Nominate Someone: undefined is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.