Popular farm-to-table caterer opens retail shop in Irondequoit
Sarah and Mike Hasenauer have done business out of a small storefront at the intersection of St. Paul and Lakeshore Boulevard in Irondequoit for the past eight years. But they only opened their front door to the public this month.
The husband-and-wife team own Farmhouse Table, a popular caterer that got its start when the Hasenauers made recipes in the commercial kitchen and sold them at farm markets. Since then, the business has grown dramatically, and now encompasses a separate 5,000-square-foot production space, a 1,000-square-foot events venue in Irondequoit and 31 full-time employees.
The original location in Irondequoit is now home to a cozy retail shop that has a retro farmhouse feel and a farm-to-table focus. It carries their own homemade breads, cookies, baked goods and salads, as well as eggs and cheeses from local producers. It also sells locally made foodstuffs like vinegars, local honey, hot sauces and maple syrups as well as kitchen implements and housewares.
"It's stuff we like to have on our own table and in our own house," Sarah Hasenauer said.
A large table sits in the front window. Depending on the day, it may showcase products for sale or vintage items available for rental. It can also be employed for private events and pop-ups. Farmhouse Table has a liquor license, so the space can host events like pop-ups or intimate dinners.
"It's all of the things we love combined," Mike Hasenauer said.
The story of Farmhouse Table
Mike Hasenauer has a culinary degree, while Sarah has an anthropology degree but always loved to bake. They started their business in 2015, selling their creations at the Brighton and Charlotte farmers markets, where they got to know local farmers as well as fellow entrepreneurs. They continue to have a weekly booth at the Brighton market on Sundays.
That led to catering weddings, hosting pop-up dinners in the kitchen and baking pies for holidays, all with a focus on working with local farmers.
During the COVID-19 shutdowns, they pivoted by offering a different prepared meal each week, along with a vegetarian alternative, based on locally sourced ingredients. Those were so well received that the service continues, with a different meal available for pickup at the shop or delivery each Friday. "It gives our team a chance to be creative," Sarah Hasenaur said.
A recent menu: Smoked beef brisket; beans with house-made bacon; tomato and cucumber salad with local feta; and Parker House rolls with whipped butter and peach jalapeño jam.
The Hasenauers recently purchased Tasteful Connections, a longtime caterer, which meant a leap in the business. It caters weddings and many other events, and works with nearly every venue that allows outside caterers.
If you go
Farmhouse Table is at 4892 St. Paul Blvd. in Irondequoit. It is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. There are a few parking spots in front of the building. Call (585) 467-4400.
Weekly prepared meal: Each week's menu is posted on the Farmhouse Table website; it must be ordered by Thursday. Pick up at the shop between 3 and 6 p.m. Friday; complimentary home delivery is available in Monroe County, but delivery slots are limited.
Notice a food business opening or closing near you? Email Tracy Schuhmacher at TracyS@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester NY caterer Farmhouse Table opens retail shop in Irondequoit
