TasteLab Store Packs Homegrown Goods Into Union Market

TasteLab just opened a small shop within Union Market stocked exclusively with D.C.-made foodstuffs and drinkable goodies.

The products take the concept of hyper-local to new heights; all are made nearby by various small businesses at TasteLab’s 8,000-square-foot culinary incubator in Northeast.

“We have literally everything, from ice cream to beef jerky, to fresh-pressed juice, teas, honey, marinated olives,” said TasteLab founder Ryan Hansan.

And a stop at TasteLab’s new outpost won’t break the bank. Most hyper-local products are under $10, Hansan says, with the highest-priced items being the juices ($8) and jerkies ($8.50).

The store occupies the former Dangerously Delicious Pies stall and will keep in line with Union Market hours.

The food and drink selections are made by 65 small businesses that create products inside TasteLab. Find Bjørn's Bakes gluten-free cookies, Jerkface’s dried meats, and more.

Businesses like food trucks and caterers that don’t currently make products for retail are expected to hold in-store demos and tastings, with the first being this weekend. Participating vendors are scheduled to showcase their wares from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23.

The nearby incubator just turned two and provides new, small- and medium-sized food businesses the space, equipment, storage, connections, and industry knowledge to help them start or scale up their respective ventures. Hansan said he thinks it’s the right time to show off what’s been cooking at TasteLab.

“When people come to Union Market they generally come to eat lunch or dinner, and all restaurants have local roots, but there isn’t really a place that focuses on products made in D.C.,” he said.

Ryan Hansan

Status: Certified open. 1309 Fifth Street NE; website.