Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market
Open: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays in late spring, summer, early fall
Opening day: May 16
Location: Sequim Civic Center Plaza, downtown Sequim
More info: manager@sequimmarket.com or 360-582-6218
On the web: www.sequimmarket.com
On a bright and sunny afternoon, the vibrant ambiance of Jose’s Famous Salsa has the distinct feeling of a thriving, established local business. From their engaging staff to their consistently delicious food and drinks, the Sequim community has come to know they can rely on Jose’s for a delightful dining experience.
It’s fun to take a look back at the origin story of one of Sequim’s most beloved restaurants. While some might remember, others would find it interesting to learn that Jose’s Famous Salsa found its start right here at Sequim’s very own Farmers & Artisans Market.
Owners Jose and Angela Garcia reflect on their earliest days as a company.
“The salsa is all Jose,” Angela says. “He was making it and just bringing it to friends at picnics and everyone started to say that they really loved it.”
“That’s when we decided to do the Sequim Farmers Market,” Jose explains. “We thought, you know if people like our salsa that much, the market would be a really great place to start. The market ended up being really great for us.”
As they reflect on their time as market vendors, they share their appreciation for the one-on-one interactions they experienced with their loyal customers throughout the market day.
“At the market, your regulars always remember that you’re there,” Jose said. “We saw the same people every Saturday coming and getting their weekly salsa.”
Jose, Angela and family have lived in town for 15 years, and they speak highly of the calm, neighborly feeling of Sequim. With their identity firmly rooted in the small business community, Jose’s has grown a lot. You can find their salsa sold from Forks to Clallam Bay all the way to downtown Seattle.
Their quality, however, remains the same as that of their market days. The couple credits the market as an important aspect of their success in introducing their company to the Sequim community.
“The market got our name out there; it helped people know exactly who we were,” Jose says. By the time they opened the first site of their taco shop, patrons were already very familiar with their salsa. The relationships they had created at the market resulted in a community that was excited to support the new restaurant.
“If we didn’t do the market, we would not be where we are today,” he said.
If you can picture yourself as a future business owner in Sequim, vending at the market is a fantastic place to start. The Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market continues to be key in maintaining a thriving, local economy. By providing a low-overhead option, optimal for small businesses looking to experiment, the market provides an opportunity to keep dollars in the community, while promoting a diverse business economy.
Vendor apps
The Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market is now accepting vendor applications for the 2020 market season. If you grow, cook or create, the market welcomes you to join our vendor family this season.
For more information, visit the market on Facebook or www.sequimmarket.com.
Make sure to swing by Jose’s Famous Salsa, 126 E. Washington St., open Monday through Saturday. At the time of publication, the restaurant is open for carry-out orders and curbside take out.
Emma Jane Garcia is Marketing Manager for the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market. (Editor’s note: She is not related to Jose and Angela Garcia). See www.sequimmarket.com.
