Earth's Own (People of Interest)

Located in an old bank building in the Seneca Mall in Liverpool, Mario Pirrello has opened a venue that he much believes in. He has put everything he has into his business. From hiring cooks who not only cook to the liking of the customers, but actually cook things they like to eat, to stocking his shelves with holistic foods, Pirrello loves his career. Many would describe their work as simply a job, but Pirrello takes his position much more seriously. “This is my life,” Pirrello explains.

Pirrello is a man “passionate about organic food and bringing it to everyone’s table.”

“You have to have a certain character here,” states Pirrello. “This is not only what we do as a business, but also who we are in life. It’s where we put our focus. It’s the only thing that we do. We’re not in business just because. We’re here because we want to be.”

The store believes in common sense. They rely on things that “your grandma did.” From selling whole grains, simple foods, and cooking fresh, it’s a basic and common sense.

Pirrello used to distribute holistic food to the mass market. He saw that there was a need for a “true home style organic market” in the area.

Pirrello has lived in Liverpool for 20 years and sees Syracuse as one of the best places to live. He feels that the store as been well embraced by the community. The store is proud to be part of the community and is there to help with the community’s nutritional needs.

“Stop in at least once to see what we’re all about. There is a difference,” Pirrello says.

Earth's Own is a privately owned natural and organic food market and cafe. The store sells fresh produce, frozen items, vitamins, supplements, and have the largest gluten-free selection in the central New York area. The store sells everything from pet food, makeup, hair color and care, incense, to candles.

Upon entering the store, there is a large beach umbrella at the register. To the left and right are rows of products. Everything sold in the store is completely organic. The café, set off to the far corner has five tables. Each of these tables is surrounded by four chairs each. It’s a simple café, but it does the job.

“Earth's Own Natural Market & Cafe is here to provide you with the finest quality fresh, natural, organic and whole foods, nutritional products, body care products and health information in a fun comfortable clean, safe environment,” the website states.

Earth’s Own can be found online at http://www.earthsownmarket.com/ and also at

www.myspace.com/earthsownmarket.

The store’s café is called Harvest Moon Café. The café has a full menu and serves gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and free range, all natural turkey. There are new specials every day and the cooks are constantly experimenting and coming up with delicious new menu items.

Some of the many things on the café’s menu include, organic coffee, smoothies that come in the flavors of orange, strawberry, and banana that are priced at $3.99. They also serve a gluten free quiche for $3.49. Other menu items include wraps, breakfast items, salads and sandwiches. They also serve fresh organic soups.

There are in store discounts every day. The more a customer buys, the higher the percentage off is received. The store also offers specific discounts to AARP members, students and military. They also have started taking food stamps.

The store holds many events. Some of these events include free cooking classes. The classes are demonstrated by the chefs who cook in the café. The café has three specific chefs, a gluten free chef, a raw chef, and a vegetarian chef.

Another of the upcoming events is being held on June 3^rd. It will be a “Raw Preparation Cooking Class.” The class will start at 6:30pm and go until  8 pm. Betsy Naselli will be the teacher. The class price is $10.00 per person.

There are also events scheduled for June 9^th and 10^th. To see more information on these events and to sign up, please see the website or come to the store.

On Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, Earth’s Own will be celebrating its two year anniversary. Part of the festivities will include free samples, vendors, holistic practitioners, and even massage therapy. There will also be raffles and prizes given away during the event.

“We just want to thank the community for accepting us with open arms,” Pirrello explaied. “And we hope to be here for many more years. Hopefully we’ll be celebrating our 50 years anniversary in the community as well.”

Hours of operation for the store on Monday thru Saturday 9am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in June 2010 in Syracuse, NY