85 Local (85LocalAZ.com) is a new boutique in Peoria offering items from local artisans, maker's classes and gourmet goodies. Inspired by similar creative cooperative concepts in the East Valley, owner Misty Stachel opened 85 Local to bring local goods by local artisans to the community.
“We just didn't have anything like it on this side of town,” she says. The fitness instructor at Mountainside Fitness and mom of three boys and three dogs started selling workout clothes and graphic tees online. She began selling them at various coops, but those were only in the East Valley. She knew it was time for something similar in the West Valley.
A Sense of Community
Stachel believed opening 85 Local would be a hit with Peoria residents, and she was right. "We've been very well received, and the community has been great to us."
The 1100-square-foot shopping space on Lake Pleasant Parkway is home to 24 vendors, including five food vendors. Stachel explains that it took the community to make 85 Local a reality.
Her husband, Joe, is President of RKS Plumbing & Mechanical. "He and his contractor friends helped with my build-out," explains Stachel. She says that RKS Executive Vice President Anthony Abbruzzio created the vision for the space and helped coordinate all the activities.
Tribute to Arizona
Open since April, 85 Local is a true homage to the great state of Arizona, showcasing the goods of local artisans and vendors. Stachel, an Arizona native, explains that there are 11 native Arizonans showcased at 85 Local.
Even the boutique's name is a nod to the 85 ZIP codes in Arizona. "We love Arizona!" exclaims Stachel.
Shopping
There is a little something for everyone at 85 Local. Shoppers will find handmade candles, wall art, chunky knitted items, epoxy cups, hand-stamped keychains, baby items, jewelry and fun t-shirts. The inventory changes weekly.
“Shoppers will find great, one-of-a-kind items at 85 Local, great gifts for just about everybody,” explains Stachel. “I am so proud of the variety of vendors you'll find at 85 Local.”
Gourmet Goodies
Shoppers will also find culinary delights such as whole bean coffee, local honey and freshly baked sourdough bread.
“We offer a variety of gourmet items that make great gifts for the holidays and other special occasions,” said Stachel.
Decorated sugar cookies from Rosette and Ruffles are big sellers. “Our cookie vendor is so good,” Stachel says. “Her work is absolutely beautiful. I love seeing what she brings every week.”
85 Local also sells fresh baked goods and pastries from The Duchess Pastry Kitchen. Items include sourdough bread loaves in a variety of flavors, as well as croissants, brownies and pies. Shoppers are encouraged to pre-order baked goods for the best selection.
Every week, Stash Bakery brings out a variety of handmade French macarons. These include such unique flavors as cake batter and cookies and cream. Other food items found at 85 Local include local honey from Honey Hive Farms and whole bean and ground coffee from Mis Raices Café.
Arts & Crafts Classes
Looking to perfect your own love of arts & crafts? 85 Local offers monthly classes. Rosette and Ruffles, the cookie vendor, holds cookie decorating classes where guests learn tips and techniques to create their own sugar cookie masterpieces.
“Cookie decorating is one of the most popular classes we have,” Stachel says. “She is a great teacher, giving step-by-step instructions, and all supplies are included. It's a lot of fun.”
Other classes include painting and macrame.
85 Local is located at 8271 West Lake Pleasant Parkway in Peoria.
