Growing With Our Community
Back in 2018, when we were just getting started, a local student designed our original logo. The community voted on it. That persimmon became ours. It showed up at farmers markets, on flyers, on the Mini-Market shelves at Atlanta Utility Works. It traveled with us through seven years of organizing, planning, and proving that the Tri-Cities are ready for a community-owned grocery store.
Now, with 415 member-owners and a retail operation running, we needed a visual identity that could grow with us. Something that works on a website, new merch, at Mini-Market, and eventually, a storefront sign. Something that reflects who we’ve become while honoring where we started.
The Process
We worked with graphic designer Laura Galante, who generously donated her time and expertise. Laura spent time with our Marketing Committee, listening to what Market 166 should feel like. Something that belongs here, that is ready for our next stage of growth, and is built by neighbors.
She developed two logo variations. We put them to a vote and owners decided!
The New Look
The updated logo features a hand-carved persimmon in a folk-art style. The typeface has a hand-drawn quality that matches how we’ve built this co-op: neighbor by neighbor, volunteer hour by hour!
The color palette keeps our blue and orange but updates them to be more vibrant and balanced. Warmer. More grounded. We added Georgia red clay to further ground into our concept of being rooted in our community.
What Stayed
The persimmon is still at the center. This is an evolution, not a replacement! We’ve grown, and our look has grown with us. This next step is a bridge from where we started to where we’re going.
In Laura’s words: “The goal was to have a brand that feels community-focused, equitable, and local. Something friendly and approachable. Unique to this place, not overly polished.”
Together, we’re building a grocery store that belongs to this community because it was built by this community.
What’s Next
You’ll see the new branding roll out across social media, Mini-Market signage, and printed materials over the coming weeks.
Same mission. Same neighbors. Fresh look.
Thank you again to Laura Galante for her generously donated time, and to everyone who helped shape this process!
