With the help of 30 volunteers, Calvert’s Mini Market in Palmer Lake has relocated into its new home, although it remains in the same building.

After nearly two years in a cozy upstairs location off Colorado Highway 105, Calvert’s Mini Market has taken a significant step moving into a larger, more versatile space in the building formerly occupied by the Bella Panini restaurant. The expansion allows owner Stephanie Calvert to realize her original vision of a locally focused market that’s not just a store, but a community gathering place.

“We wanted to start small and see how the town liked it,” Calvert said.

The chance to move to a more accommodating location came last year when the downstairs restaurant space became available. Though timing complications initially delayed the move, Calvert stayed in close contact with the property owner and eventually made the leap.

“It was bittersweet. We loved our original spot but moving just downstairs meant we got to keep the same address, the same landlord, and stay rooted in the same community,” she said.

Calvert’s Mini Market opened in September 2023 and quickly gained a loyal following for its focus on Colorado-made and allergy-conscious products. The shop’s clean-label philosophy attracted health-conscious customers seeking alternatives to the long drives and crowded aisles of chain supermarkets. It also stood out for its commitment to local artisans, authors and food producers.

“We’ve always had that goal of offering something local in every aisle,” Calvert said. “When I used to shop at King Soopers, I’d go aisle to aisle just looking for those little Colorado flag tags. It was exhausting. I thought, why not build a place where local isn’t the exception, rather it’s the default?”

That guiding principle has shaped everything from the store’s product selection to its community events. Alongside fresh produce, locally baked goods, handmade magnets and art, the market also carries local literature, including Bright Star of Palmer Lake, a 36-page hardcover book filled with poetry, art, and stories about the town, penned by local author Nancy Godbout Jurka.

Now in its larger space, Calvert plans to expand those offerings and bring back interactive programs which were popular when the store first opened.

“We used to host kids’ classes where they’d make their own Play-Doh, friendship bracelets, drink healthy teas and eat popcorn while hanging out together,” she said. “It was fun, simple and gave families something to do. I really wanted to bring that kind of thing back.”

With the downstairs unit offering increased square footage and full commercial infrastructure including walk-in coolers, larger freezers, a dishwashing station, and a designated seating area, those plans are now in motion. Calvert is preparing to relaunch kids’ classes, host bouquet-building workshops and organize casual adult activities like trivia and game nights and crochet hangouts.

“I’m not great at crochet,” she laughed. “But to be able to hang out and suck at crochet with other people just sounds fun to me. That’s what I’m aiming for—a space that gives people a reason to come together.”

The more accommodating location also solves a number of logistical issues which had previously limited the mini market’s inventory. Because of the structural limitations of the former upstairs location, the use of commercial coolers was restricted.

“That’s why we didn’t have a deli at first,” Calvert said. “It’s not a full grocery store unless you have a deli section.”

Though her own wheat allergy keeps her from baking in-house, Calvert partners with regional bakers to stock fresh bread and pastries. With a fully equipped kitchen now available, she hopes to expand the food offerings significantly.

“We want to be more than a place where you buy groceries,” she said. “We want to be a place where people feel seen, supported, and connected. That’s the beauty of small towns. You get to be part of people’s daily lives.”

For Calvert, success isn’t measured by volume, but by community. She said it’s about making things easier for people who live nearby, for people who shouldn’t have to drive all the way to Colorado Springs just to find local or allergy-friendly products.

“If we can be that place for them, that’s a win,” Calvert said. “We try to operate like a year-round farmer’s market.”

Calvert’s Mini Market remains a staunch supporter of local products, partnerships, and people. With its expansion now complete, it’s poised to play an even bigger role in the heart of Palmer Lake.