Interview with Mike Major, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My parents, Mick and Carolyn, founded EVOO Marketplace in early 2009 with their flagship shop located in lower downtown Denver. Their shop is Colorado’s original olive oil and barrel-aged balsamic sampling room. The business became a hit with the local foodie community and the opportunity to open new shops presented itself.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Very simple, but not very apparent to the general consumer, is that our extra-virgin olive oils are fresh and pure. In addition, our authentic Italian balsamic vinegars are barrel-aged to the Italian standard of at least 12 years. We like to use the phrase “gone are the days of purchasing rancid, canola diluted extra-virgin olive oils and corn syrup-laced, made-in-Italy, balsamic vinegars.” Unfortunately, the current rules and regulations surrounding the importation of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar into the United States are very loose. This is exactly the market niche that EVOO Marketplace provides.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: As a scientist, I get excited when educating people about the science behind our products. As a home chef, I get excited about inspiring customers to explore the numerous cooking applications our fresh EVOOs and barrel-aged italian balsamics offer.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: One of our biggest challenges is trying to educate the mass consumer on authentic extra-virgin olive oils and barrel-aged Italian balsamic vinegars. Also, it is sometimes difficult to remove the myth that Italy produces the best extra-virgin olive oils.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: EVOO Marketplace is a sampling room, so customers have the opportunity to sample all of our amazing EVOOs and barrel-aged italian balsamic vinegars before making a purchasing decision. Our expert staff will show customers many of the infinite olive oil and aged balsamic combinations for use as vinaigrettes, marinades, finishing sauces, desserts or mixed drinks.
Profile
Business: EVOO Marketplace
Address: 2660 W. Main St., Littleton
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2009
Contact: 720-328-4783,
Employees: 8
