Exclusive: Each Peach has big plans for former Bold Fork Books
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Each Peach is stocking the shelves of its holiday pop-up with sweets, treats and food-related gifts. Photo: Courtesy of Emily Friedberg
Something is stirring in the former Bold Fork Books space — and thankfully for Mt. Pleasant's fiercely local business community, it's not another Tatte.
Driving the news: Beloved neighborhood grocer Each Peach Market is taking over the former bookshop next door, turning the cozy space into a gift wonderland opening Small Business Saturday (Nov. 28).
- And this isn't just a holiday fling. Owner Emily Friedberg tells Axios the market plans to keep the space year-round, though exactly what comes next is TBD.
- "The pop-up is kind of an experiment," she says.
Why it matters: Mt. Pleasant is one of D.C.'s best neighborhoods for independent foodie finds, and Each Peach — equal parts neighborhood grocery and specialty food destination — is getting some much-needed breathing room to grow.
State of play: Friedberg and her team are filling the new shop with candles, ceramics, kitchenware, gifts for coffee and cheese lovers, holiday panettone and all the goodies that tend to get lost in Each Peach's packed gour-maze.
- Think everything from fancy Chemex coffee gear to little treats like butter ornaments, martini earrings, soaps and face masks.
- For edible gifting, look for holiday cookie boxes, gourmet gift baskets, New Year's Eve cheese boards and more.
- Prices will run the gamut, with an emphasis on small producers, local makers and gifts with a good story.
Context: Bold Fork's closure in September, after six years, was a blow to the neighborhood. The food-focused independent bookstore cited tough operating conditions — a familiar struggle for D.C.'s small businesses.
The big picture: Each Peach has operated its kitchen behind 3064 Mt. Pleasant St. NW for more than a decade, including during its Pear Plum Cafe days. Taking over the neighboring storefront gives the market room to stretch its legs — and a dedicated home for cheese and wine classes.
- Friedberg says customers are increasingly turning to Each Peach for specialty finds and little indulgences — whether to treat themselves or someone else.
If you go: The holiday pop-up will be open Saturdays and Sundays through the New Year, with tastings on Thursday evenings and private shopping appointments available on other days.
The bottom line: Whatever comes next, the market's philosophy isn't changing: "We want a little something for everyone. And we always have a 'keep it cute' policy — it has to look good, taste good, and have a real place on the shelf."