NICE TO
MEET YOU!

Hi, I'm Hope! I grew up with “market” in my blood. Spending my childhood on an organic chicken farm, I traveled during the weekends with my family to Philadelphia and West Chester selling poultry and eggs at outdoor farmers’ markets. 

These experiences also led my sister, Charity, to open her own market stand. Foosie’s Organic Deli debuted at the Reading Fairgrounds in 2007. Soon after, I began working with Charity. This proved to be instrumental for me in developing Half Dozen. Charity was an amazing mentor, teaching me what it takes to run a stand. Watching and learning from her inspired me to step out on my own. 

I kept hearing customer remarks about wanting a stand that served local, organic, ready-made food. So I started dreaming up what that would look like. I wanted to create a space where people could experience the joys that come with good food: delicious flavors, healthy ingredients, love and comfort, a place to be together. Food is powerful. It brings us all together. I love helping people enjoy the ritual of eating amazing food together. 

People often ask me about the name, Half Dozen. Growing up, I was one of a family of eight - yep, that means my parents had six kids. When asked about her kids, my mom referred to us as her “ half dozen.” The name stuck. It reminds me of what it’s like to gather around the table together, sharing stories, laughter, time, and of course, good food. To me, food means home and comfort, a way to care for others and express love to them. It’s my goal to replicate that feeling of home in every bit of food coming from Half Dozen’s kitchen.