Merchant Spotlight: TakeRoot Farm Stop is Growing More Than Local Food in Dundee

When you step inside TakeRoot Farm Stop, you're greeted by more than colorful produce, locally raised meats, fresh baked goods, and artisan pantry staples. You're stepping into a marketplace built on a simple but powerful idea: making it easier to support local farmers, strengthen regional food systems, and connect the community with fresh, locally sourced food all year long.

Since opening in December 2026, TakeRoot Farm Stop has become one of Dundee's newest small businesses, offering a year-round indoor marketplace featuring products sourced primarily from Nebraska and Iowa farmers, ranchers, and makers.

TakeRoot Farm Stop is the result of years of planning, education, and collaboration.

The TakeRoot Farm Stop team includes partners Carla Gornall, Gordon Miller of Grandview Farm and Matt Johnson of Long Walk Farm, along with the team member who oversees the day-to-day operations of TakeRoot. Together, they combine decades of farming experience, business knowledge, and operational expertise.

Before opening their doors, the team spent three years preparing for launch. They participated in the "How to Start a Farm Stop" program through Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor, Michigan, completing both virtual coursework and hands-on training inside an operating Farm Stop. They also attended the organization's annual conference each year to learn from others who had successfully implemented the model.

Those experiences helped provide the confidence and preparation needed to bring a Farm Stop to Omaha.

Filling a Need in Omaha

The inspiration for TakeRoot Farm Stop grew during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While working as a Local Food Procurement Coordinator for No More Empty Pots, Carla purchased large quantities of locally grown produce for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes at a time when many farmers had lost their traditional sales outlets.

That experience highlighted both the incredible quality of local agriculture and the challenges producers face when farmers markets or restaurant sales aren't available.

After the pandemic, the team realized Omaha was ready for something new: a year-round indoor farmers market that complements existing farmers markets rather than replacing them.

The Farm Stop model creates another opportunity for farmers and ranchers to sell their products throughout the week while allowing them to spend more time focusing on growing food instead of staffing additional market booths.

For customers, it means convenient access to fresh, local products any day of the week.

A Commitment to Shopping Local

One of TakeRoot Farm Stop's defining values is keeping food as local as possible.

Approximately 90% of the products available at the Farm Stop come from Nebraska or Iowa. When an item can't be sourced within those two states, the team looks to neighboring states and seeks out producers who prioritize sustainability and exceptional quality.

One favorite example is Eastwind Nut Butters from Missouri.

Made using a different variety of peanut than many commercial brands, the nut butters have quickly become a customer favorite.

The TakeRoot Farm Stop team's long-term goal is to encourage even more entrepreneurs throughout Nebraska and Iowa to create innovative, locally made products, making it possible to source even more items close to home.

Every Visit Offers Something New

TakeRoot Farm Stop continues to grow every week.

The business currently welcomes an average of two new vendors each week, meaning customers regularly discover new products with every visit.

From seasonal produce and locally raised meats to dairy products, baked goods, honey, sauces, pantry staples, and specialty foods, the selection changes alongside the seasons and the creativity of local producers.

Why Dundee Feels Like Home

For the TakeRoot Farm Stop team, opening in Dundee has been an easy choice.

"Our neighborhood supports all of our small, locally owned businesses, and we've found that the saying, 'A rising tide lifts all boats,' is true," says Carla.

That collaborative spirit is one of the things that makes Dundee such a unique place to shop, dine, and spend time.

The team is already working on initiatives that extend beyond the walls of the Farm Stop.

Recently, they received a letter of intent for a grant that would help rural schools gain greater access to fresh produce and locally raised meats from area farmers.

The project reflects the Farm Stop's belief that every child deserves access to nutritious, locally grown food that supports healthy growth and learning while creating new opportunities for local farmers.

What's Fresh Right Now?

If you're visiting this season, the TakeRoot Farm Stop team recommends picking up fresh cantaloupe, which Carla says is her current favorite, and will be around for the rest of the summer.

Customers are also excited to see the arrival of locally grown heirloom tomatoes, signaling the beginning of one of summer's most anticipated harvests.

Every purchase helps strengthen local farms, supports regional producers, keeps more dollars in the local economy, and gives shoppers greater access to fresh, seasonal food grown close to home.

The next time you're exploring Historic Dundee, stop by TakeRoot Farm Stop to experience what shopping local can look like. You may discover a new favorite product, meet one of the many local producers behind the shelves, and leave inspired by the impact a community can make when it chooses to support its neighbors.

Learn more about TakeRoot Farm Stop and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.