Every October, when colder temperatures arrive, local outdoor farmers markets end for the season. Disappointment sets in for shoppers and vendors alike, including for Sarah Olbrich, who dreamed of having access to her favorite products every week of every month, rain or shine.

Now Mort’s Fresh & Local is providing that, thanks to Olbrich’s vision and her collaboration with a popular vendor. The new indoor farmers market at 1608 Cochran Road, in Scott Township, gives customers and small vendors a place to stay connected year-round. Mort’s features a variety of products, all grown or made in the Greater Pittsburgh area, in a temperature-controlled environment.

Olbrich, Valleyview Drive, began brain-storming the concept last July. A regular visitor of the Mt. Lebanon farmers markets, Olbrich wanted to keep enjoying the products she loves and create an indoor space for the vendors to sell in the off-season. She also realized that she, as well as many other people in the area, often missed out on the farmers markets due to a busy schedule. Alongside her husband, Chris, she discussed the idea with Emily Thornton, owner of 1:11 Juice Bar in Hazelwood. As a vendor, Thornton has spent many Saturdays at the Mt. Lebanon Uptown Market, and she knew firsthand how much Mt. Lebanon residents miss her juices once the season ended. She was also looking for a heated space to sell during the winter. Thornton was immediately eager to collaborate. Together with manager Michelle Lee Handa, the two women opened the market in January, at the former site of the Olbrichs’ other business, Bridge City Beverage.

Fresh organic fruits and vegetables are a staple at the market year-round. Mort’s also features local meats and cheeses, olive oils and vinaigrettes, regular and gluten-free baked goods, flowers, salsas, kombuchas, pierogies and empanadas, among many other items. Mort’s offers a rotation of vendors with a new inventory every day, and regular vendors, including 1:11 Juice Bar, Black and Gold beef jerky, and 19 Coffee Company.

Both Olbrich and Thornton are thrilled to make these products easily available to the public in a one-stop setting. Thornton says having a full inventory for customers will be a priority.

“One of my main purposes of being a part of this is that we believe accessibility is crucial to people’s health and wellness,” she said. “We have to find ways to engage health and wellness in being simple and being available. The beauty of having an inclusive and diverse offering is that there are going to be things that the folks of this area have not had at their fingertips.”

The market is named after her grandfather, who, in the 1930s, opened a clothing department store without segregated dressing rooms in Washington, D.C.

“I want to create a space where everyone is welcome, and can come in, sell their stuff and feel valued and heard and seen, because that’s what my grandfather did,” Olbrich said.

Inclusivity and opportunity are also top priorities for Thornton, who knows firsthand the challenges facing small businesses, especially during winter months when business can slow down. Because of this, vendors at Mort’s have opportunities that are unique to the area, such as the structuring of vendor fees, as well as the chance for vendors to sell their goods if they’re not physically able to be present at the market.

While helping small businesses is a top priority at Mort’s, Handa wants the market to also be a place where people in the community come together. She is planning events, such as a wine and cheese night and  a women’s care event, featuring local skincare and candle vendors.   

“I want to really build an inclusive community where people can come and not only shop but occasionally have fun,” Handa said.

Vendors and artists looking for a space to sell their products can visit mortsfreshlocal.com or email info@mortsfreshlocal.com.

Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.