11/08/2020
We’re going on Hiatus
Tight 5 is moving out of it’s Ballard space, and going on an indefinite hiatus. Our last Farmers’ Market will be on 08/30/20 at Capital Hill.
Tight 5 is a small lifestyle farm that has been growing for 2 years. Our mission has always been to deliver high quality microgreens at a disruptive price point, in the most ecologically sustainable way. We wanted to teach Seattle about microgreens and show people how much more they have to offer than as a decoration on your plate. We’ve long lost count of the number of people who’ve told us they’d never heard of microgreens before meeting us. We’re excited by the many people who’ve made it a regular part of their diet. We’re honored by how many of you have stayed with us over the last 2 years. Unfortunately, in the times we live in, we’ve been forced to acknowledge that we need to take a large step back, rest, and evaluate how best to build not just an ecologically sustainable farm, but also a sustainable business.
Tight 5 has been supported by our external income since we’ve started the farm. We’ve not had a chance to break profit. In late February we were closing in on actually breaking even by bringing on restaurant accounts and taking on additional farmers’ markets. Then, in early march we watched it all disappear in the blink of an eye as the pandemic hit. Many of the businesses we worked with closed, some permanently. When the farmers’ markets first shut down we didn’t know how we’d move even a single box... So we adapted, we started our pop-up, we started CSA boxes, and every week the world changed again: pandemic restrictions got worse, a recession began, our external income was gone. Even when the farmers markets came back we couldn’t return immediately, we moved into our slow season (summer), and lastly we began to burn out.
In our exhaustion we’ve failed to maintain the quality of our service, you’ve all seen inconsistencies and some of you have had orders dropped entirely. Yet, every one of you responded with a smile and showed us compassion, you were never upset, and you were always so forgiving. This love we feel from our customers has kept us going this long and it’s the reason we’re not giving up entirely.
We don’t know when we’ll reopen. Moving out of our Ballard space and finding a new space will take time. It will take time to rest... We hope to see you all again soon at your local farmers markets. Until then, thank you for believing in our dream.
Love, Tight 5 Farm
Q&A
When will the last market be?
Capital Hill 08/30/20
I have a subscription. When will it end?
All subscriptions will be fulfilled until 08/30/20. If your subscription runs past that date, it will be refunded.
Where can I get my microgreens?
From local growers like:
Steel Wheel (https://steelwheelfarm.com/) at University District Market
Bikerogreens (https://www.bikerogreens.com/) another bike based outlet in Seattle
Gracies Greens (https://vashonfresh.localfoodmarketplace.com/Producer/ac278f39-eb57-4273-bdf8-0c7f98442a73) in Vashon.
I’m interested in your Ballard space, is it leasing?
Yes, they are looking for new tenants (https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/off/d/seattle-unique-commercial-space-in/7161159491.html) .
Are you selling any of your supplies?
We’re currently open to selling coir and seed. Please reach out through our Contact page
I’d like to continue supporting local businesses. Any suggestions?
Yes! Many of the vendors we worked with are still running and could use support at this time.
ZIVA Mediterranean Foods (https://www.zivaseattle.com/)
Liberated foods / Askatu Bakery (https://liberatedfoods.com/)
Olsen Farms (http://www.olsenfarms.com/)
Seeking kombucha (https://seekingkombucha.com/)
Sno-Valley Mushrooms (https://www.snovalleymushrooms.com/)
… and many more at your local farmers market!
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