Hello! We are Anna, Grace, and Val, current employees of Driftless Market & Deli in Platteville, Wisconsin. After much discussion, the three of us have decided to create a GoFundMe to ask for assistance in keeping our market open. We write this message to you not as employees, but as three individuals who truly love this business and everything it stands for. Our bosses have poured their hearts and souls into this place, carefully crafting a welcoming and loving community space. We wish to do everything we can to help them out as we would hate to lose this place, and repay the kindness they have shown us as friends, and employees. Thank you.

The government shutdown threatens to end our business.

Since opening in 2008, Driftless Market & Deli has been a staple in the Platteville community; providing fair trade, local, organic products, as well as house-made food and cozy vibes. For nearly two decades, Driftless Market has also strived to create an inclusive and welcoming space for individuals from all walks of life. We offer a place for community members to come together, enjoy fresh food, as well as a chance for local artists to sell their craft. Due to a series of unfortunate events (never recovering from the pandemic, rising costs of operations, energy costs, inflation, equipment repairs) and the current government shutdown, Driftless Market has come to a crossroads – close, or ask for more help.

What we would do:

Reconcile Outstanding Vendor Invoices

Complete freezer repair to generate additional revenue stream

Re-invest in inventory (fill the freezers)

Market & expand catering business

Transition our current kitchen into an incubator kitchen for start-ups

Give back to the community for years to come

What we stand to lose:

Important community space which would be very difficult to replace

Numerous jobs

Access to wholesome food (local, organic)

We support many local artists (more than 100)

Have been open almost 20 years - 6 years under new ownership

Our vision to turn our current kitchen into a community incubator kitchen