Nutritious Meals for the “Vacation Mom”
The Market Scratch Kitchen bestows a breath of fresh air for visitors walking through their door.
Whether you’re a “Vacation Mom” or a busy mom needing a reprieve, Owner Jodi Wollmuth understands the dilemma of not always having the time or energy to put together fresh and nutritious food options for a hungry family. The newly opened restaurant in Arnolds Park, The Market began with the idea that all busy moms deserve a real vacation.
The Market provides a daily in-house menu from 9 a.m-2 p.m, as well as grab ‘n go pre-made meals for on-the-go Okoboji locals and vacation families until 5:30 p.m. The options are fresh, completely made from scratch, nutritious and nourishing.
“We are proud to offer both in-house ‘Vacation Mom’ meals and pre-made meals available in our grab ‘n go cooler,” Jodi said. “There is a large variety of options that can go right in the oven or crock pot and can serve your family of 2-8.”
From Vision to Open Doors
The inspiration behind The Market was born on a family trip. A number of years ago, Jayson and Jodi Wollmuth took their six kids to Marco Island for a family getaway. They left Minneapolis in a blizzard and arrived in Florida, tired from traveling. The family checked into their VRBO, and everyone excitedly, quickly scattered. Except mom.
“Everyone went their different ways and where do you think I headed, the grocery store,” Jodi shared. “We had all six kids, and the older boys were playing football – they can eat a lot.”
Jodi meal planned for the week for their family of eight and then went grocery shopping.
“All of this can be stressful and not what a mom wants to experience on their first day of vacation,” she exclaimed.
This family trip inspired Jodi to bring The Market to the Iowa Great Lakes area: thoughts and ideas percolated in Jodi’s heart and mind for several years. She kept envisioning this haven for the busy mom, whether it was a “Vacation Mom” or a mom just needing a break.
“As a local realtor and a mother who regularly coordinates meals for my family, I saw the need in our area,” she shared.
Jayson and Jodi spent time looking for the right spot, and in May 2023, Jodi shared her ideas with Bonfire Marketing.
“I had all these ideas in my head, with the concept of helping the ‘Vacation Mom’ always at the forefront. I shared this with Jeremy and Jordi, and they helped bring the branding to light,” Jodi said. “Then we spent a lot of time praying and waiting on His timing. God opened door after door up until we opened the door for business Memorial Day Weekend 2024.”
Hellinga Homebuilders helped build out The Market, transforming the building into a beautiful, welcoming space. Seth Hellinga is also Jodi’s real estate broker through EXP Realty. He, along with construction manager Landon Howard, provided encouragement and assistance through the build out process.
The Wollmuth’s also greatly appreciated the expertise of their kitchen manager Rosie Kiplinger, an Iowa State graduate in Hospitality Management, who knows her way around the kitchen.
Made from Scratch
Everything prepared in The Market is created from scratch, whether it’s the chocolate walnut scones, roasted red pepper hummus or the fresh pesto pasta salad. The meals are made from scratch every day, fresh and nutritious, and the kitchen is always welcome to new ideas.
Besides the in-house menu, the pre-made meals come in a variety of options in the cooler as you come in the door. More will become available as time passes, but some current options are: Cheesy Baked Spaghetti, Ham and Cheese Sliders, Chicken Taco Bowl, Asian Beef Lettuce Wrap, and Tex-Mex Enchiladas.
A meal subscription plan will be put in place later this summer, as well as delivery from the in-house menu for businesses and locations throughout the Iowa Great Lakes.
“We will keep adding to our to-go options as we become established,” Jodi said. “You can also be confident every recipe has been tried and is ready for your table.”
Whether you are a “Vacation Mom” or a busy mom needing a meal for your family, relieve some stress by visiting The Market in Arnolds Park. The storefront is also the perfect place to meet friends for brunch or your spouse for lunch. Follow The Market on social media or themarketokoboji.com.
“I know what it’s like to be a ‘Vacation Mom’ and the stress of meal planning for your family,” Jodi said. “I’m so thankful for my husband and kids for making this dream a reality.”
