WRITTEN BY CAITLIN M. DEWICKI

Celebrating Woodward Corner Market’s Anniversary

Six years ago, Woodward Corner Market opened its doors with a simple idea that grocery shopping could feel personal again.

A place where neighbors recognize familiar faces.

Where local makers are more than labels on shelves.

Where every product tells a story rooted in fresh, local, and value.

As Woodward Corner Market celebrates its 6th Anniversary, the milestone is less about time passed and more about the relationships built along the way. From opening day until now, a group of local vendors has grown right alongside the store – evolving, expanding, and becoming a part of everyday shopping for the community.

Today, we’re honoring six vendors who have been here since day one, each bringing their own flavor, craft, and story to the market.

Where Community Took Root

For Natalie Rubino, former Store Director of Woodward Corner Market and now Operations Manager for Meijer’s Market Format Stores, the early days were about building something meaningful from the ground up.

“The opportunity to connect and strengthen the community,” Rubino shared when asked what these past six years have meant to her personally. “We had the ability to acquire new local vendors that have helped businesses grow. Our partners from the Berkley and Royal Oak Chambers have both been ambassadors of our success.”

From the beginning, Woodward Corner Market has been guided by three simple, powerful words – Fresh. Local. Value.

Displayed boldly in the store, those words serve as more than signage. They reflect the foundation the market was built on, a commitment to supporting local makers, offering quality products, and creating a shopping experience rooted in trust. These values continue to shape every decision made surrounding the market.

Looking ahead, Rubino remains confident in the store’s direction and its dedication to the community. “We have the best assortment in the community and will continue to meet future partners that will drive loyalty in the year to come”.

Those same values live on through the vendors who have been part of the Woodward Corner Market journey from the very start.

A Taste of the Mediterranean

Alibaba’s Foods

Walking through the aisles, it’s hard to miss the bold flavors of Alibaba’s Foods, a Michigan-made, family-owned brand inspired by traditional Lebanese cuisine.

From creamy Traditional and Spicy Hummus to beloved staples like Garlic Spread, Tahini Sauce, and Mediterranean salad dressings, their products bring global flavor into everyday meals. Their Chicken Kabob and Beef Shawarma Marinades have become favorites for home cooks looking to elevate weeknight dinners.

Rooted in authentic recipes and all-natural ingredients, Alibaba’s Foods has helped turn simple grocery trips into culinary inspiration since opening day.

Comfort, Crafted by Hand

Elwin & Company

There’s something nostalgic about walking past the bakery section and spotting a familiar Elwin & Company label.

Founded by Detroit native Chef Elwin Greenwald, the brand grew from a love of handmade food, inspired by years of culinary mentorship in France and grounded in local roots back home.

At Woodward Corner Market, shoppers can find freshly baked scones in rotating flavors, along with artisan tea breads, and comforting ready-to-heat soups like Lentil and Spinach, Golden Potato Leak, and seasonal favorites.

“We have been a proud vendor of WCM since the very beginning,” Elwin shared. “We have a wonderful relationship because we are told both Elwin & Co. and WCM offer the same terrific service, great products at a fantastic value.”

Fresh deliveries from Elwin and Co. multiple times a week ensure customers always get that just-made quality. Something both Elwin & Co. and Woodward Corner Market value deeply.

Seasonings That Change The Way You Cook

High 5 Salts with Benefits

High 5 Salts with Benefits adds a little personality to the spice aisle.

Created by Detroit-based Chef Laura Romito, the brand was built on the idea that seasoning should be intentional. Seasoning is meant to enhance food, not overpower it.

From the Original Unboring Salt Blend to playful favorites like Sweet Sass Sugar and Tickled Pink Himalayan Salt, these organic blends invite creativity into the kitchen. Even popcorn gets special treatment, with savory and sweet blends designed for an elevated movie night at home.

Handcrafted in Eastern Market, High 5 Salts brings bold flavor and thoughtful cooking together – one sprinkle at a time.

Crafted With Purpose

Valentine Distilling Company

Since 2007, Valentine Distilling Company has been shaping Michigan’s craft spirits scene with small-batch production and old-world techniques.

At Woodward Corner Market, shoppers can find Valentine Vodka, gin, and bourbon whiskey, each bottle reflecting the brand’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

State Manager, Barry Ludvigson, reflects on the partnership between the two saying, “Our motto is ‘Quality Above All Else’, and WCM exemplifies that standard. Having worked with numerous store managers across the state, I can say the WCM staff goes above and beyond to make Valentine feel welcome and is always willing to offer assistance.”

Built on trust and shared standards, the partnership continues to raise the bar for locally made spirits.

A Detroit Classic

Germack Pistachio Co.

Few brands carry Detroit history quite like Germack, the pistachio and coffee roasting company.

With roots stretching back generations, Germack has long been known for its commitment to freshness, quality, and innovation. Over the years, the company has expanded beyond nuts to include snack blends, nut butters, dried fruits, and locally roasted coffee.

At Woodward Corner Market, customers often reach for favorites like the Eastern Market Coffee Blend, Honey Roasted Peanut Butter, or signature snack mixes, perfect for busy morning and afternoon pick-me-ups alike.

Their presence is a reminder that some traditions only get better with time.

Wellness With Heart

DROUGHT

DROUGHT’s colorful bottles have become a familiar sight in the cooler at Woodward Corner Market. Each one is filled with organic, cold-pressed juice made with intention.

Founded by the James sisters, the female-led brand has grown from Eastern Market beginnings into a beloved Michigan staple. At WCM, customers can find favorites like Green No. 1, Beet No. 1, Carrot No. 1, and the ever-popular Immunity Potion.

Co-Founder Julie James shares, “Woodward Corner Market has always been one of our most proud accounts…The visibility and proximity to our core customers have been invaluable. Not to mention the team at WCM is amazing!”

One standout moment for the Co-Founder came when DROUGHT launched its bulk Immunity Potion, debuting first at the market, a milestone with a dedicated cooler and support from the entire WCM team. “We hope to continue to launch new offerings and are confident they will always have a home at Woodward Corner Market”.

6 Years & Still Growing

Current Woodward Corner Market Store Director Mike Jacobs sees the market as a place where possibilities live.

“It’s a place where you can build relationships with the community and our vendor partners,” Jacobs shared. “It’s about giving people an avenue to start something and watching their business grow alongside our brand.”

With local farmers' markets happening throughout the community, there’s always room to discover new makers. One of those moments happened close to home for Jacobs, who met an artisan granola vendor at his neighborhood farmers’ market.

At the time, this vendor never imagined turning her products into a full-scale business. After connecting with Jacobs, she later sent him an email sharing that Woodward Corner Market would become her 14th retail location – a major milestone for her brand, Eat Oats.

“We can grow together,” Jacobs said when reflecting on the store’s role in supporting local vendors. “My goal is to enhance the customer experience. When customers walk in, they’ll know they can trust us to have the items they want…they don’t have to go anywhere else.”

As Woodward Corner Market looks ahead, the goal remains the same: to continue creating space for local makers, meaningful connections, and a shopping experience the community can trust.

More Years To Come

This anniversary isn’t just about looking back; it’s about honoring the makers who believed in Woodward Corner Market from day one and the community that continues to support them.

Six years of local stories.

Six years of shared growth.

Countless moments still to come.

Here’s to the vendors, the customers, and the neighborhood that made it all possible.

6 Years of Local Love