November 26^th, 2025

Hi Team,

Almost 18 years ago, we opened The Root Cellar with three little boys in tow — the youngest just a newborn. What began as a dream to feed our community has grown into something extraordinary that we are incredibly proud of: a place where food experiences connect people, where mealtime is honoured, and where abundance is celebrated daily. And all of it has been made possible because of you.

At The Root Cellar, our story has always been written by the seasons. From the first strawberries of spring to the start of summer cued by Okanagan cherries, through the abundance of autumn harvests, and to the cozy comforts of winter; each shift has brought new energy, fresh opportunity, and reasons to celebrate.

Today, we are sharing that a new season is beginning for us and for you — one that creates exciting opportunities for the people who make The Root Cellar thrive: you. The Root Cellar has been sold and launched into its own big, beautiful future — though you’ll still see us shopping here beside you, at our favourite store in the world. And please do say hello.

We were only willing to step away if we found a party who would honour what we have built — not just what we sell and how we sell it, but the values at the root of this company that is so close to our hearts. Teamshares Canada is committed to protecting the culture we’ve cultivated, the experience our customers look forward to, and the future of our team. This isn’t just a change in structure — it’s a chance for you, the heart and soul of this business, to gradually become owners of The Root Cellar (at no cost). Just as each season nurtures what comes next, this transition will nurture your future with the company you’ve contributed to with so much passion and care.

Your jobs are secure — everything you know and love about The Root Cellar will be honoured. You have the same job and work for the same people today as you did yesterday and will tomorrow.

Leadership you trust remains steady — our COO, Dave Ramsay, is now The Root Cellar’s President, ensuring our values and vision stay strong. There will be no big changes in our leadership structure, your trusted Operations Team remains in place to support this transition, and we are excited to see what changes Dave brings to the business in the years to come.

Employee ownership begins now — 10% of the company is being distributed to leadership, full-time, and long tenured part time (5+ yrs) employees, welcoming them as owners of The Root Cellar. The goal is for the company to grow and thrive to enable 80% employee ownership in the decades to come.

More information is coming — you’ll have received a welcome guide and will soon be invited to an information session and Q&A with Teamshares Canada. Please review the welcome guide and bring your questions and curiosity to this upcoming session.

Have Questions? Please submit them here and they will be addressed in the upcoming Q&A session: Employee Question Form

Our friends at Teamshares Canada will be onsite shortly to conduct Q&A sessions, 1:1 meetings, and shadowing of some of your roles. Please feel free to contact them directly at emails listed below.

Girish Chhatwani : Director of Canada girish@teamshares.com

Anna Nicholson: Transition Lead anna.nicholson@teamshares.com

Tsukasa Kikuchi: Transition Lead tsukasa@teamshares.com

Almost 18 years later, that newborn is now off to college, and just as our family enters a new chapter, so too does The Root Cellar. This is not an ending. It is growth. It’s the next abundant season in The Root Cellar’s story, and we are so grateful and proud to have founded what is sure to become legendary in your hands. We are excited to watch our baby continue to thrive in your capable, passionate care.

While we plan on unplugging for a period of time, we will be back to support this transition in the new year, and look forward to seeing you in the stores when we stock up on green sauce + groceries at our favourite store in the whole world.

We ask that you please keep this information strictly confidential until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 26th, allowing us time to share this news with our community of customers and vendors.

With warmth, pride + SO much gratitude,

XO

Daisy + Adam