WhatsGood, a technology provider for online orders at local farmers' markets, is opening the first in a series of Chicago-based Farm Shops in Lincoln Park on December 7. WhatsGood's Farm Shop is a small footprint grocery store with an array of locally curated products that will provide Chicagoans with in-store shopping and on-demand delivery. WhatsGood's team can deliver everything you'd expect at the farmers' market in about an hour.
"WhatsGood's Farm Shop draws inspiration from the intimate relationship between food, community, and neighborhoods. These unique stores will showcase the finest foods and beverages locally produced by farmers and artisans. We are so passionate about locally sourced food that we want customers to be able to shop seasonally and locally all year long," says Erin Tortora, WhatsGood's chief operating officer, in a statement. "Shoppers will find fresh, healthy, and organic food from sources they can know and trust."
WhatsGood has operated in Chicago since 2018 in close partnership with Green City Market, South Loop, and other Chicago farmers' markets. During the pandemic, WhatsGood provided ecommerce and home delivery services to help connect Chicago to its local food sources. More than 30,000 Chicagoans use WhatsGood to connect with more than 400 farmers, artisans, and chefs from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.
WhatsGood is developing services and technologies to empower local food and beverage makers to sell direct to customers in local communities with Farm Shop. The company plans to open a WhatsGood Farm Shop in every neighborhood in Chicago and New England over the next two years.
Farm Shop products are locally sourced from farms and producers within a maximum of a 3-hour drive to the store.
"The WhatsGood platform saved our business during the pandemic. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have survived 2020. Our products are in front of so many more people because of WhatsGood. The creation of the store is fantastic, now you will be able to grab and get our Finn's Ranch eggs, beef and pork anytime," said Alex Finn, Finn's Ranch, in a statement.
WhatsGood's technology enhances the shopping experience both online and in-store, according to the company. The retail store colors, and decor differ from other grocery markets. Wooden barn doors separate the front shopping area of the store from the rear fulfillment portion. At times, shoppers will have the opportunity to watch and meet farmers, artisans, and chefs dropping off their products or observe dozens of online orders being picked and packed for delivery.
Related: American Cheddar Comes of Age; Walmart Launches Drone Delivery Hubs.