Sanitary Market: Opening in Downtown Laurens to Bring Local and Healthy Options to the Entire County
January 17, 2024
Downtown Laurens is set to welcome a new addition to its community with the arrival of the Sanitary Market, a hub for locally sourced and healthier food options. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Ryland and Katy Culbertson, the market aims to provide residents with a convenient destination for fresh, clean, and wholesome products without the need to travel outside of Laurens County.
The vision behind the Sanitary Market is rooted in the Culbertsons’ personal journey to find local and organic options for their family. Despite the availability of some healthy choices in local grocery stores, the couple often found themselves making weekly trips out of town in search of specific clean options for food and household products. Their goal is to bring more local and healthy options to Laurens, making it easier for the community to prioritize their well-being.
The name “Sanitary Market” holds historical significance, as it was the original name of the meat market and grocery store on the square during the 50s-70s. Choosing to revive this name, the Culbertsons’ embrace the nostalgia while adding a contemporary twist by associating “sanitary” with cleanliness and health.
A great selection of clean cravings snacks!
The market will feature a diverse selection of local items, including meat, dairy, honey, seasonal produce, elderberry, soaps, deodorants, crackers, teas, coffee, eggs, butter, cheese, baked goods, condiments, and breads. Additionally, the Sanitary Market will offer healthy alternatives for families, such as pastas, chips, candy, snacks, drinks, and homeopathic options.
Operating from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sundays initially, the market plans to adjust its hours based on community needs and preferences.
Ryland and Katy Culbertson, the driving force behind the Sanitary Market, bring a unique approach by combining local and other healthy items, distinguishing their market from traditional health food stores. The couple sees their venture as an opportunity to support local businesses, provide family-friendly options, and educate the community on budget-friendly ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
While acknowledging that Sanitary Market may not be a one-stop-shop, the Culbertsons aim to be a reliable source for weekly staples. Emphasizing the importance of supporting local, they understand that prices might be slightly higher but believe it contributes to the longevity and overall health of the community.
“Bringing the Sanitary Market to Downtown Laurens is not just a business venture for us; it’s a commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of our entire community,” said Ryland Culbertson. “We believe in the power of local, and we’re excited to offer a diverse range of products that reflect our passion for clean, wholesome living.”
The Culbertsons, married for seven years with three kids, are known by many in the community for Culbertson Kitchen, a mobile wood-fired kitchen they launched 1.5 years ago. Encouraged by strong community support, they decided to expand their culinary ventures with the Sanitary Market, bringing their love of cooking and passion for health to a broader audience.
Some of the standout products at the Sanitary Market include house-baked bread, scratch-made condiments, raw milk, and local meat. The market is also working on meat bundles, budget-friendly recipe ideas, loyalty rewards, and delivery options. Despite being unable to sell pizza at the market, the Culbertsons plan to offer their popular pizza dough, sauces, condiments, and salads.
To stay updated on the Sanitary Market’s progress and product offerings, you can follow @sanitarymarket on Facebook and Instagram. The market is set to open its doors by the end of the month, offering Laurens County residents a new and exciting option for fresh and healthy choices.
Stay tuned for more on this exciting new business in Laurens!
Click on the images in the photo gallery for look inside as they continue to prepare for opening day.
