City Approves Food Trucks at Breweries and Distilleries

The City of Frederick moved forward on an ordinance change to allow mobile food units to operate at craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Carly Ogden with AttaBoy Brewery shared, "We're very happy with the change and the pace with which it passed. Food trucks are a great symbiotic partner for our business. We can worry about the beer and let the food be handled by local pros. It's also pretty cool to see many young entrepreneurs getting their foot in the door. It's a great way for them to join in and add something to this great culinary city."

Monica Pearce with X Ward Distilling offered this thought, "As a representative for the Frederick Distillery Association we are extremely grateful to everyone with the City of Frederick who worked to get the food truck ordinance passed. It will not only be incredibly beneficial to the local craft beverage industry but will also keep our customers safe while they are enjoying our products."

The legislation demonstrates Frederick's continued support for the rapidly expanding craft beverage industry. The changes promote increased tourism and spending in Frederick, as well as balancing the needs of existing restaurants and related businesses.

Made in Frederick: Bare Bites Provides Healthy Treats for Pets From Coast to Coast

In The City of Frederick, many local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From distilled spirits to dog treats, companies are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and do business.  

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products. 

Allison Levitt is the owner of Bare Bites, based in in Downtown Frederick. Allison provided us with a behind-the-scenes tour of how Bare Bites provides 100% all-natural US-sourced pet treats. 


How long has your company been in business?

The company was established in 2011, but I did not pursue Bare Bites full-time until 2014.

What is your product/products?
We make all-natural dog, cat and horse treats. Our top seller is Bare Bites made with 100% USDA dehydrated beef liver, great for both dogs and cats. Our other brands of treats include, Brew Yahs, Yam Jams, Bare Bits, and our horse treat, Flax Jax.

What makes your product different?

All of our products are made using 100% all natural ingredients, source in the U.S.A. Our treats contain no preservatives, additives or fillers.

What do you want your customers to know about your product?

We want our customers to know that we are a women-owned, dog-driven company. Our products are made with only USA-sourced ingredients, and we buy local whenever possible. We care about our community and their pets. We are not on the shelves of Petco or PetSmart. We vow to always support the independent retailer.

Why are you located in Frederick?

We are located in Frederick because we live in downtown, and I also owned a pet retail store downtown for ten years before I started Bare Bites.

What does Frederick offer a company like yours?

A sense of community!

 

Visit Bare Bites

Warehouse Location Address
27 S. Carroll Street 

Frederick, MD 21701

Hours

Mon-Fri 8:30 - 5:00

Sat 8:30 - 5:00 (Only between Thanksgiving & Christmas)

Connect
barebites.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

ADI Attendees Learn 3 Reasons to Open a Distillery in Frederick

Frederick was well represented at the 2017 American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Conference & Expo. The annual conference and trade show welcomed attendees from all over the country and supports the craft distilling industry.  The Department of Economic Development partnered with the Tourism Council of Frederick County and the Frederick County Office of Economic Development to jointly exhibit at this year's show.  The exhibit provided the opportunity to educate attendees on the 3 Reasons to Open Your Distillery in Frederick, Maryland:

1. Supportive Local Laws & Friendly Business Climate
In 2013, The City of Frederick updated City zoning codes to allow small wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the Downtown Frederick area, paving the way for these growing industries to boom locally. This means a craft distillery can open right in the heart of Downtown Frederick, nearby all of the restaurants, shops, and more. Outside of the City, the county is updating laws to grow this industry as well.

2. Craft Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries Thrive in Frederick
Frederick County is home to over 25 wineries, breweries, and distilleries, making it a destination with a reputation for sipping and sampling. In just over a year, six new distilleries and craft breweries have opened in Frederick. A local group of craft beverage entrepreneurs meet regularly, helping to support each other and jointly market. Thanks to a collaborative spirit, local economic development organizations, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and tourism all work together to support and promote this industry.

3. Strong Tourism Destination
Located less than an hour from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Frederick is the second largest city in Maryland. Visitors to Frederick County spend on average over $1 million a day. Additionally, more than 1.7 million people visit the county each year. The Tourism Council of Frederick County actively promotes and markets the craft beverage industry as a major visitor attraction, ensuring the right visitors for your business are making their way to the area.

Brewing Up Business: Frederick Changes Code to Allow Breweries to Host Food Trucks, Vendors, and Events

The craft brewing industry contributes $55.7 billion to the U.S. economy and Frederick is well-positioned to attract and support this rapidly expanding industry. On August 4, 2016, The City of Frederick amended City code to allow breweries, farm breweries, and wineries to hold special events, including the ability to host events with food trucks and vendors. This newest legislation proactively addresses the changing nature of breweries and wineries, and allows them to host complementary activities for visitors such as festivals, concerts, and special events.

The legislative changes have the potential to expand and diversify the City's economy by opening up additional opportunities for this industry. Frederick continues to receive national and international recognition for its thriving brewing industry, including an accolade from Matador naming Frederick among 17 of the Worlds' Best Cities for Craft Beer (#16) and inclusion in Livability.com's listing of the 99 Best Beers in 99 Best Beer Cities (#35).

Brewery patrons frequently visit the surrounding area, leading to increased spending at local restaurants, shops, and hotels. New breweries will further bolster Frederick County's 1.7 million annual visitors and related $380.5 million in visitor spending (2014 Tourism Council of Frederick County study).

The brewery/winery legislation is the latest example of the City's proactive approach to supporting manufacturing, and specifically, the craft beverage industry. In 2014, the City adopted legislation to allow craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries to locate in Downtown Frederick. Additionally, the City of Frederick enacted a 10-year phase-out of the business personal property tax, including a 100% tax credit for manufacturers.  

For more information on starting a business in Frederick, contact the City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development.

7 Ways to Participate in the Buy Local Challenge

By Michelle Kershner

The annual Buy Local Challenge encourages participants to make a personal commitment to eat local during Buy Local Week, July 23 - July 31, 2016. It's easy to sign up to take the challenge.   

Residents can easily step up to the challenge any time of the year, not just during the Buy Local Challenge week. Here are some tips to get started.

7 Ways to Participate in the Buy Local Challenge 

Seasonal pick-your-own options at Glade Link Farms.

1.  Shop at one of the 8 Farmers Markets located in The City of Frederick or at a county market.

2.  Sip and sample at a local winery, brewery, or distillery.

3.  Visit a farm and take home some locally grown treats. Hours vary, so verify hours in advance.

4.  Visit one of Frederick County's two creameries, Rocky Point Creamery and South Mountain Creamery, for a farm-fresh treat.

5.  Dine at one of Frederick's many restaurants that source their products locally.
   

6.  Discover what is in season and plan a pick-your-own trip to a local farm.

7.  Visit the new Homegrown Frederick website to learn more about products grown right in your back yard!  

Michelle Kershner is the Business Development Specialist for the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development. 

Made in Frederick: Uncle Ralph's Not Yet Famous Cookies

By Michelle Kershner

In The City of Frederick, many local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business.

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products. 

  
Made in Frederick: Uncle Ralph's Not Yet Famous Cookies

Located on Frederick's east side, Uncle Ralph's has been offering their baked goods for over three decades. Their sweets and cookies more closely resemble home-baked goods than factory-baked desserts. Anne-Margaret Denlinger, Sales and Marketing Specialist and daughter of owners Margaret and Ralph Wight, answered a few questions about Uncle Ralph's and let us have a behind-the-scenes tour at how their products are made.

How long has your company been in business?
Last August we celebrated our 30 year anniversary!

What is your product/products?

Our trademark product is our frozen ready-to-bake cookie dough but we also have baked cookies, baked and unbaked brownies, crumb cakes, pound cakes, mini cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls and twists.  In recent years we have also begun making specialized proprietary products for certain customers including, Roy Roger’s and Elevation Burger Restaurants.  

What makes your product different?
We never skimp on the good stuff.  Since the beginning, chocolate chips have always been and will always be the number one ingredient in our chocolate chip cookies because what’s a chocolate chip cookie without the chocolate chips?  This philosophy runs through all of our product lines from cookies to cupcakes.  We use top quality gourmet ingredients with no added artificial preservatives in any of our products.

What do you want your customers to know about your product?
As we have grown over the years, our processes have become more automated but each product is still made with some level of hands on labor from our dedicated employees. From measuring to mixing to scooping, our employees take immense pride in the products they make.  While it may not be made in our family kitchen anymore, we guarantee it will still taste like it was.
 

  

Products like cookies and zucchini breads are made from
scratch and require an element of hands-on labor.

Our size also gives us the unique ability to make custom products.  We welcome the challenge of taking a customer’s recipes or ideas and figuring how to produce and distribute them on a larger scale.   

Why are you located in Frederick?
At the core of it, we are located in Frederick because it is home. The business was started in our family home right here in the city of Frederick.  As the business grew, there was never any question that it would always stay in Frederick. Its central location close to Baltimore and DC with easy highway access has helped the business grow and thrive.  Its location allows us the ability to deliver to our wholesale customers throughout the mid Atlantic region.

What does Frederick offer a company like yours?
Frederick offers a great sense of community and loyalty.  Despite not having a recognizable storefront on Market St., we have loyal retail customers who make sure to visit our Sweet Shoppe regularly for all of their sweet treat needs.  We also have many local wholesale customers who have been with us for years.  In turn, we make every effort to support the community with donations of cookies to local charities and events.  Our business has grown right along with the city and despite Frederick’s growth, it still has the wonderful small town charm that makes it a great place to live and do business.  

Sweet Shoppe Information


Hours:  Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 (Open Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas from 10:00-2:00).
 
Directions: We are in the large brown building (old Frederick Trading Company) across from the Family Meal and Pit Crew on East Street.  However, our Sweet Shoppe entrance can be accessed from 8th Street.  

Products Available: In the store you will find a freezer stuffed full of 2-pound bags of ready to bake frozen cookie dough, baked brownies, crumb cakes, pound cakes, and mini cupcakes.  We also have a limited selection of already baked cookies available.  If you want specific baked cookies, you can order them ahead of time to ensure you get just the flavor you want.  We also have cookie and brownie platters for order, which are great for gatherings and get-togethers, or even customer appreciation gifts.  
  

Connect with Uncle Ralph's Not Yet Famous Cookies

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Michelle Kershner is the Business Development Specialist for the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development. 

Forecasts Predict A Happy Holiday for Retailers

'Tis the season for retailers across the country to gear up for their busiest weeks, and forecasts are pointing to a strong 2015 holiday season.

Holiday sales are essential for the success of not only Frederick area businesses, but retailers nationwide. According to the National Retail Federation, for some retailers, the holiday season can represent as much as 30% of annual sales. Overall, the National Retail Federation is predicting that 2015 holiday sales will rise 3.7%.

Shopping trends look particularly promising for local businesses this year. According Deloitte's 2015 Holiday Survey, 70% of those surveyed plan to shop locally this holiday season. The survey also indicates that 59% shop local to support the economy and 54% are looking for one-of-a-kind gifts.  

The "Buy Local, Shop Local" trend has been gaining popularity across the country, and each year it strengthens.  More consumers are seeking individuality in the products that they buy and gifts that they give.  

"Downtown Frederick, with its mix of independent shops, boutiques, and galleries, is particularly well positioned to benefit from the shop local movement," said Richard Griffin, The City of Frederick's Director of Economic Development. 

Local businesses can position themselves well for the holiday season by planning ahead and preparing. This can take many forms, such as hosting or participating in holiday events, offering holiday hours, or providing an exceptional holiday shopping experience. 

For more information on holiday retail trends, visit the National Retail Federation or view Deloitte's 2015 Holiday Survey graphic below. 

Made in Frederick: McCutcheon’s Apple Products, Inc.

In The City of Frederick, a variety of local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many small businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business.

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products.

McCutcheon's Apple Products

Fresh, local apples are
the key to their popular cider.

McCutcheon's Apple Products, located right next to Carroll Creek, produces and sells all of their products from their factory in Frederick. McCutcheon's is a family-owned business that has been making their products in Frederick since 1938. The company sells a wide range of specialty fruit products, including apple cider, jelly, and butters. 

McCutcheon's currently has over 30 full time employees, some of who are third, fourth, and fifth generation members of the McCutcheon family. Our office had the opportunity to tour McCutcheon's factory and to meet with the President, Bob McCutcheon III.


Q&A With Bob McCutcheon
Bob answered a few questions about his business, products, and why he enjoys doing business here in Frederick.

How long has your company been in business?Since 1938

What are your product/products?
Apple Cider, Apple Butter Preserves, Jellies, Condiments, Hot Sauce, Teas, Olde Time Sodas and much more.

What makes your product different?Everything is home-style, just like Grandma made.

   

What do you want your customers to know about your product?
We get products that are the best tasting, highest quality, and made in Frederick.

What does Frederick offer a company like yours?

Frederick is a vibrant growing city situated in beautiful Downtown Frederick. It's a great place for us to live, work, and play.

McCutcheon's facility is powered by 546 solar panels. You can view the daily output of the solar panels at McCutcheon's website.

Apple cider production at McCutcheon's. 

If you go

McCutcheon's has a full retail shop that is open 6 days week and it offers all of the company's products. McCutcheon's products are also available to resellers. For more information and hours, visit McCutcheon's website.

For more recipes using McCutcheon's Apple Products, visit their blog.

Want to be featured on Made in Frederick?
If you or your business has a product that's made in The City of Frederick, contact us and let us know more about your business, product, and why Frederick is a great business location for you. 

This story was completed by our fall intern from Hood College, Nick Masucci. 

7 Farmers Markets in the City of Frederick

Everedy Square & Shab Row Farmers Market

Frederick is fortunate to be surrounded by bountiful farmland.  Farmers Markets in the area help those who live and work access locally grown and harvested items nearly every day of the week.  Some locations provide weekday convenience to those working in Downtown Frederick or at Fort Detrick.  

7 Farmers Markets Located in the City of Frederick, Maryland (2015)

Everedy Square & Shab Row Farmers Market
Church and East Streets

Through October 29

Thursdays, 3pm – 6pm

West Frederick Farmers Market

United HealthCare Parking Lot

800 Oak Street
Through November 21

Saturdays, 10am-1pm

Frederick City Market
331 N. Market Street

Through October 25

Sundays, 9am – 1pm

Grace Farmers Market

9380 Butterfly Lane

Through Mid November

Fridays, 3pm – 6pm

Great Frederick Fair Farmers Market
Frederick Fairgrounds – East Patrick Street

Open Year Round

Saturdays, 8:00am – 2:00pm 

Farmers Markets at NCI- Frederick

NCI-Frederick located on Fort Detrick - Open to Public

Outdoor Market space is located in the parking lot in front of the NCI Cafe/Scientific Library (Building 549) 

Through October

Tuesdays, 11am – 1:30pm

YMCA of Frederick Farmers Market
1000 N. Market Street

Through October 6

Tuesdays, 3:30pm – 6:30pm

Learn more about other Farmers Markets in Frederick County. 

Updated: August 4, 2015