In May, the family is encouraging customers to donate to the food bank as well. By showing a donation receipt, individuals are eligible for a free item at Marigold’s cafe, which serves tacos, burgers and homemade Indian food.
After opening and running the Garlic Creek Country Market in Buda six years ago, the family opened Marigold Market & Cafe at Lantana Place last summer. Over their first year open, the market has built up a roster of regular customers who visit for lunch from the neighboring shops in the plaza and the various nearby office buildings.
With most of those offices closed and many local employees working from home during the coronavirus pandemic, Salima said the family has seen a lot of new faces looking for food, wine, beer, gifts and other goods at the market. Shoppers are looking for an alternative to traveling to the more busy supermarkets in Southwest Austin, she said.
"We haven't been doing much from the kitchen, but the market side is doing very good," Salima said. "We miss the offices and that crowd in the afternoon but hopefully soon."
During the pandemic, Nishiki said her family has been making sure the market is stocked up on produce it had not sold in the past. Also, if the market does not carry an item a customer is looking for, they do their best to get it in for the next time they come in.
“My parents are crazy good about talking to customers and going out of their way to stock up or look for a special item for them,” Nishiki said.
She said the family is grateful it was considered an essential business through the pandemic, and that staying flexible and in touch with customers has helped them serve the local community during a difficult time for many.
In the past year, Marigold has also collected funds to support the homeless population, and donated packs to local organizations that included a mix of sandwiches, snacks and towels for individuals.
Marigold Market & Cafe
7415 Southwest Parkway, Bldg. 6, Ste. 100, Austin
512-428-4293
https://marigoldmarketcafe.business.site
