November 26^th, 2025

Dear Root Cellar Community,

This is our last letter. Feels strange to type it, and just as strange for it to be so…

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

Almost 18 years ago, with two little boys tugging at our hands and a newborn strapped to our chests, we moved across the province to Victoria and planted the seed of a wild little dream to feed the community. With your support, that seed has grown into something far bigger and more extraordinary than we ever imagined.

Today, as our boys are grown and stepping into their own new seasons (college, careers and marriage), it feels like time for us, too, to start writing a new story. With full, aching hearts, we’ve made the decision to step away; 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.

Because The Root Cellar has always meant so much to us, choosing its future was deeply important. We wanted to ensure it remains rooted in the same values, culture, and customer experience you know and love. For these reasons, we’ve chosen an employee ownership model — where our incredible team, the very people who’ve poured their energy into this place day after day, now have the opportunity to share in ownership of the business they’ve helped build, alongside Teamshares Canada.

Teamshares Canada is a company devoted to keeping successful small businesses like ours locally led and independently operated, while introducing a long-term employee ownership model that begins immediately and grows over time — ensuring that our legacy continues to thrive in the hands of those who live and work right here in the community.

We chose this path because it reflects the values that have always guided The Root Cellar: innovation, integrity, sunshine & sustainability…. It’s a model that protects what makes The Root Cellar special — our people, our community focus, and the way we do business. We couldn’t step away without the confidence that the heart of this place would keep beating, and we are.

You can feel confident knowing the future of The Root Cellar is in the hands of those who love it just as much as we do.

Moving on from this amazing season of our lives is no small thing, but it’s made easier knowing The Root Cellar is strong, vibrant, and poised to flourish long into the future. Please continue to love it like we do: shop here, celebrate here, gather here. Your support is what allows this place to keep growing and thriving.

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

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey with us. The Root Cellar’s story has always been about people — and it always will be.

With warmth, gratitude & great pride,

XO

Daisy + Adam Orser