At Littleton's Market, Thanksgiving Without Doing It All Yourself

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UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio — The pitch at Littleton’s Market this Thanksgiving is simple: cook the turkey if you love cooking the turkey, and let the market carry the rest.

The Upper Arlington market, cafe and bakery opened in December 2023 in the old Huffman’s space, and it has staffed its kitchen like a restaurant. Executive Chef Alexia Orsburn is a Chopped champion, and the bakery runs under Head Baker Desi Vasquez. This is the crew the market is putting in front of the holiday.

“Littleton’s has always believed that as a neighborhood market, we can offer an exceptional culinary experience,” said Jenna Garner, who answered our questions for the market. “Our culinary team brings a level of expertise, creativity and attention to detail that allows us to offer thoughtfully prepared food that customers might otherwise expect to find in a restaurant.”

The Littleton's Market storefront at night with its neon sign lit — Littleton’s Market in Upper Arlington at night. (Photo: Littleton’s Market)

What the bakery is taking orders for

The bakery’s holiday list runs to brioche pull-apart rolls, sourdough dinner rolls, French baguettes, cherry pie, apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cinnamon rolls and pumpkin rolls.

“Our bakery is an important part of making Thanksgiving easier for our customers,” Garner said. “With Head Baker Desi Vasquez leading the team, we are able to offer a variety of breads, pies, pastries and desserts that bring something special to your holiday table, without adding another to-do to the host.”

Orders can be placed online through the market’s catering page or in person at the customer service desk. The deadline is Thursday, November 19.

Turkey at home, sides from the market

For a host who wants the bird to be their own, the catering team can handle anything from individual sides to larger trays to a nearly complete spread.

“That’s exactly the kind of Thanksgiving we want to help make possible,” Garner said. “Many hosts love preparing the turkey and having that centerpiece be their own, but they don’t necessarily want to spend the entire day in the kitchen preparing every side dish.”

“The goal is to give people more time to enjoy their guests and the traditions that make Thanksgiving special,” she said.

A Thanksgiving table with side dishes and candles — A Thanksgiving table at Littleton’s Market, shared family style. (Photo: Littleton’s Market)

What November looks like in Upper Arlington

Garner said November shoppers start thinking about the whole holiday, not just the meal: catering, prepared sides, specialty ingredients, and the finishing touches. Wine becomes part of the conversation too, for the table, for visiting family and friends, and for the long weekend.

“We also see customers looking for ways to simplify their entertaining,” she said. “They want to host beautifully, but they don’t necessarily want to do everything themselves. That’s where having a market with a strong prepared-foods, bakery, wine and specialty grocery offering can make such a difference.”

Nearly two years in, what has surprised the market most is how much customers value having it all in one stop.

“We’ve seen how much people appreciate being able to shop for dinner, pick up something prepared, find a special bottle of wine and connect with our team all in one place,” Garner said. “Convenience doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality.”

“Being able to help them do that, while still making them feel connected to their neighborhood, is what makes Littleton’s special,” she said.

Thanksgiving orders are open now and close Thursday, November 19, online or at the customer service desk.

Thank you to Jenna Garner and the Littleton’s Market team for their contribution.

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