MEAT
LAPP’S MEATS Lapp’s Meats provides the protein that makes its way onto plates at Roots. “We’ll get their chicken and their pork, both of which are from Chester and Lancaster counties. And they break it down for us —they’re butchers.” Some providers supply whole-animal meats, which means they must be butchered in the restaurant, but because Lapp’s Meats handles the cutting, the entire process is easier … especially for a busy small business owner like Dan. Plus, they’re family owned, which contributes to the local economy. 19.57 miles
PRODUCE/MEAT/DAIRY/GRAINS
ATIVE
OPER LANCASTER FARM FRESH CO Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, also known as Lancaster Co-op, is another source for produce, as well as many other goods. “A co-op,” Dan explains “is a collection of small-scale family farms working together to compete with the big suppliers.” Lancaster Co-op acts as the hub, where restaurants place orders for what they need. The co-op then goes out to the numerous smaller farms and purchases the goods. “We’ll get a list, say on Sunday for Wednesday, of all the things that are available at that time. Then they’ll go out and do everything from picking it up from the farmers to delivering it to the café.” The co-op provides Roots with pork, chicken, duck, “funky cheeses, like blue and chavroux,” heirloom tomatoes, beans, onion and carrots, microgreens and gluten-free bread. 35.25 miles
OCTOBER 2013 | thewcpress.com
27