Become a New Original
at The Original Farmers Market!

Program Details

The winning business will receive:

  • Three Months of Free Rent at The Original Farmers Market located at 3rd & Fairfax.

  • Prime location inside the Center Market area which includes full-commercial kitchen capabilities.

  • $7,500 Cash Prize to help bring your storefront to life

  • Marketing & Communications support to promote your business launch and help ensure continued success.

Terms & Conditions Apply

What
we’re looking for...

The winning business will be an emerging or established culinary (and/or grocery) concept ready to take their business to the next level. The Original Farmers Market welcomes millions of annual visitors. This is a unique opportunity to make your mark in one of the most nationally recognized and visited food destinations in L.A. and the World.

Through the various stages of the Application Process, the winning business will be the one that demonstrates the readiness and capacity to operate in this food-lovers environment. The Winner should be prepared to open and operate 7 days per week at The Original Farmers Market and share their New Originals experience through various media opportunities.

Applications are closed.

The Space

The winning business will receive a 1,500-Square-Foot storefront inside the Original Farmers Market outfitted for retail sales, potential customer seating and a full-kitchen operation, including:

  • Three-Compartment Sink 

  • Hand Sink

  • Refrigeration & Freezer

  • Small Fryer with venting

  • Prep Tables & Shelving

  • Refrigerated Prep Coolers

  • 3rd Street Frontage

Program Timeline*

March 27 - April 21
Application Period

May 8
Finalists Announced

May 8 - 26
Finalist Social Voting Period

May 17 & 18
Finalist In-Person Interviews

May 20
Finalist Showcase Day

June 9
Winner Announced!!

*Dates Subject to Change

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We are looking for an innovative and original culinary or grocery concept that complements the existing vendors at The Original Farmers Market.

    The selected business will be required to obtain all necessary business licenses and permits from the City and County of Los Angeles (when applicable).

    Employees of the Original Farmers Market, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Contest.

  • Businesses will be judged and Finalists selected based on Four main criteria: 1. Responses to Application 2. Finalist In-Person Interviews 3. Finalist Showcase Day 4. Social Media Voting. For more information on the selection process, see our Terms & Conditions.

  • Yes! The Winning space has a fully functioning commercial-level kitchen which can be utilized for other aspects of operating your business (catering, wholesale, etc).

    The main requirement for the Winner is that the business be open to the public 7 days a week during normal Farmers Market Hours.

  • The winning business will be expected to maintain regular hours of operation for The Original Farmers Market. These hours are currently: 9a-9p Monday-Friday, 9a-8p Saturday, and 9a-7p Sunday.

  • Finalists will be contacted at the end of the Application Period (around April 26-28th) through the email and phone number provided in the Application to confirm their participation as a Finalist.

  • Being named a Finalist is a huge achievement on it’s own. It means your business was selected over all other applicants as being ready to become a New Original.

    Finalists will be expected to participate in all elements of the Program. This includes: In-Person Interviews with Original Farmers Market staff (May 17 or 18); Finalist Showcase Day at The Original Farmers Market (May 20th); sharing Finalist status on their social media pages and linking to social media voting page; media interviews as made available; and any other promotional opportunity that becomes available during the course of the contest.

  • The Finalist Showcase Day on Saturday, May 20th is your opportunity to show-off to the public, media, & judges what your business is all about. It is your chance to shine and promote your business to the tremendous Original Farmers Market audience.

    Showcase Day will occur live, on-site at The Original Farmers Market and be open to the public. Exact timing details are TBD, and will be shared with Finalists when selected.

  • New Originals at The Original Farmers Market is designed to help new vendors open at the Market. As such, it is our hope and intention that the Winner of the contest will continue on as a vendor for many years to come.

    Exact details about future rent and lease terms will be shared with the Finalists during the In-Person Interview Process.