Bluewater Market Has Survived and Thrived
C
The Rooster Hut is housed in a handsome, old stone building, and Kozich refers to it as his baby. He likes that it has fewer moving parts than the store and catering service; he just has to cut and portion the meats and seafood once they arrive at the shop.
By M.J. McAteer
hristina Kazmierski and Michael Kozich, the owners of the Market at Bluewater Kitchen in Upperville, share one salient feature that’s apparent the moment you talk to them--a passionate appetite for the food business.
All three aspects of the business showcase their commitment to healthy, locally-raised and grown food. They proudly talk about the quality of their suppliers, most within a 45mile radius of Upperville.
Even back in high school, Christina said she dreamed about starting her own catering business, and later learned a lot about the hospitality industry by working for Middleburg’s Salamander Resort and Spa.
“We’ve forged great relationships with several farms,” Kozich said, including Long Stone Farm in Lovettsville and TMR Michael, after graduating from the Farm right in Upperville. The Wagyu beef Culinary Institute of America, went on in their burgers comes from Ovoka Farm Photo by M.J. McAteer to earn his cooking chops at, among in Paris, Virginia. And Kozich has made Michael Kozich and Christina Kazmierski other restaurants, the prestigious Michel “coastal meets country” by having fresh Richard’s Citronelle in Washington, D.C. seafood shipped over-night from markets in North Carolina and Florida. Not surprisingly, the two foodies met when both were working at the same Offerings at the Rooster Hut will feature “whatever is fresh,” including regional restaurant, and it wasn’t long before starting their own business was on the menu. delicacies such as rockfish, crabs and oysters. They started out catering events for 15 or 20 people out of their home. They Between the Kitchen and the Hut, customers can find all they need for a meal. soon realized that they needed to go bigger to make a living, so they moved And the market carries an extensive collection of coffees, wines and craft beers. their operations to the kitchen at Buchanan Hall in Upperville. They stayed Most offerings are affordable, but “if a customer ‘needs’ a $130 bottle of wine, we for four years, until, in 2019, the shuttered convenience store in the village have it, ” Kovich said. came up for rent, and they decided to go for it. The result is the Market at Bluewater Kitchen, their combination boutique grocery store, hot and cold “When you commit and put your best foot forward, it’s been cool to see what takeout and catering firm. we’re capable of as a team,” Kazmierski added. “And to see that other people love A wise pivot to grab-and-go foods saved the day during COVID and they have and respect what we are doing. It’s made all the hard work worth it.” remained open and even keep all staff employed. This past December, they expanded by adding a fresh meat and seafood outlet, the Rooster Hut, next door.
The Market at Bluewater Kitchen, 9036 John S. Mosby Highway, Upperville. themarket@bwkitchen.com.
At Summit, it’s our goal to give you personalized service and attention that goes beyond what’s expected. With a variety of account options and plenty of great features and bene�its, you’ll �ind that we’ve created our accounts to be as unique as our customers, designed to meet a diverse range of �inancial needs. Whether you are looking for Flexible Checking Options, Competitive High Interest Accounts, Tailored Business Solutions, Innovative Financial Technology, or Exceptional Commercial and Personal Lending, we are here for YOU.
Village Center 251 W Lee Highway; Suite 730 Warrenton, VA 20186 540-347-7779
www.MySummit.bank
16
MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Winter 2022
