Since 2002, Tall Grass Prairie Bakery has been a cherished part of The Forks Market community. This fall, they'll be adding a third location to the beloved bakery collection in St. Boniface. But have no fear! Tall Grass Prairie Bakery is not leaving, as you can still count on getting your bread, favourite treats, and all things Tall Grass from their location in The Forks Market!
Like most things at Tall Grass Prairie, their move into The Forks Market, and their expansion within and now beyond, has been nothing short of organic. And now, in response to the community’s increasing intersest in Grass Roots products, The Grass Roots Prairie Kitchen will soon be relocating from The Forks Market to St. Boniface, forming part of the third (and the largest) of the Tall Grass locations with Tall Grass sur la Seine, set to open to the public in the fall of 2024.
The bakery's journey began in Wolseley, back in 1990, with the intention of offering bakery items that were just as healthy as they were tasty, while also supporting local farmers and grain producers. While planning a renovation of their flagship store, back in the early 2000’s, an opportunity arose to take over a space at The Forks. The prospect was perfectly timed, “we thought we could just use the space at The Forks while our other bakery was being renovated, but thankfully, that idea didn’t match the vision of The Forks,” says Paul, one of the owners of the staple Manitoba bakery. "They wanted us to stay permanently," adds Tabitha, co-owner and co-founder of Tall Grass Prairie. And so, for the last 22 years, Tall Grass has maintained its second location at The Forks Market, and thankfully, they're not going anywhere anytime soon.
"When we opened here at The Forks, It quickly became clear that offering deli items like soups, salads, and sandwiches, especially for lunch, was essential," Paul explains. "We tried doing it all in the bakery space for a while. But the bakery was a bit too tight to include deli production.” So, when a space across the aisle became available, they scooped it up and called it Grass Roots Prairie Kitchen. This new space became their production hub for lunch items, beloved jams, and the preparation of assorted platters to fill catering orders.
By freeing up space in the bakery for ovens, bread rolling, and pastry making, the extra room also enabled them to expand their offerings and source more local products. "The community of farmers we worked with evolved from just being local grain and wheat producers to include vegetable production as well," says Ryan, one of the managers and longtime bakers at Tall Grass Prairie.
Though Tall Grass Prairie will still be here at The Forks Market, the production kitchen at Grass Roots won’t be. And though the news is mostly worth celebrating, the loss of having home-cooked meals made in The Market will surely be felt. “It’s one of my favourite things about the place,” says Tabitha. “I love walking in here and just smelling everything that’s cooking." Paul added to that sentiment, sharing that people really love Tall Grass/Grass Roots dynamic because it makes them feel like they're eating homemade food. With that, Tabitha was quick to remark that, “it’s not like homemade food. It is homemade food!” This authenticity is a key part of their appeal.
Each Tall Grass location has its own, what Tabitha likes to call, regional differences. "Different ovens and different hands," she says. "And we expect to find the same uniqueness at this new location." Though Grass Roots Prairie Kitchen will be closing, Tall Grass Prairie will continue to serve their community from their locations both here at The Forks Market and in Wolseley.
Though we are sad to see Grass Roots Prairie Kitchen close, this change is more a celebration than a farewell. It highlights how The Forks can be incubator for local businesses, offering space to grow while serving their community. On July 1, we will bid a heartfelt goodbye to Grass Roots Prairie Kitchen and applaud Tall Grass as they expand into their third location in St. Boniface. Meanwhile, they will continue to delight us with the comforts and flavors from their Tall Grass location here at The Forks Market!
