Full Breakdown
Transition to Employee Ownership at The Root Cellar Grocery Market
11/27/2025, 11:43:53 PM
Announcement of Sale and New Ownership Model
Daisy and Adam Orser, the founders of The Root Cellar grocery market in Greater Victoria, have announced the sale of their business after nearly 18 years of operation. The grocery chain, which includes two locations—one opened in February 2008 on McKenzie Avenue and a second in 2021 on Cook Street—will transition to an employee-owned model in partnership with Teamshares Canada. This decision comes as the Orsers' children have grown and embarked on their own life journeys, prompting the couple to seek a new chapter in their lives.
In their announcement, the Orsers expressed their pride in the community support that has allowed The Root Cellar to flourish. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring that the store remains rooted in the values and culture that have defined it since its inception. “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,” they stated.
Employee Ownership Model
The transition to an employee ownership model is designed to empower the staff who have contributed to the store's success. Teamshares Canada specializes in facilitating such transitions, allowing employees to earn stock ownership through continued service. The Orsers noted that this model protects the essence of The Root Cellar, ensuring that it continues to serve the community with the same dedication and focus on local produce that has characterized its operations.
Daisy Orser remarked, “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and it’s incredibly important to us to exit in a way that aligns with the values we poured into the business.” The couple reassured customers that all current staff would remain in place, and they encouraged continued support for the store.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
The Orsers' decision to sell and transition to employee ownership reflects a broader trend in the business community, where companies seek to maintain local leadership and operational independence while rewarding employees. The couple expressed gratitude for the community's support over the years, stating, “Your support is what allows this place to keep growing and thriving.”
As they step away from daily operations, the Orsers plan to remain active members of the community, continuing to shop at The Root Cellar and engaging with customers. They concluded their announcement with a heartfelt message, urging patrons to “continue to love it like we do: shop here, celebrate here, gather here.”
Criticism and Opposition
While the transition has been largely welcomed, some community members have expressed concerns about potential changes in management style and customer experience under the new ownership model. However, the Orsers have reassured the public that the core values and customer service ethos will remain intact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Daisy and Adam Orser, Founders of The Root Cellar
- “We wanted to ensure it remains rooted in the same values, culture, and customer experience you know and love,” — Daisy and Adam Orser, Founders of The Root Cellar
- “Your support is what allows this place to keep growing and thriving,” they added.” — Daisy and Adam Orser, Founders of The Root Cellar
The transition of The Root Cellar to an employee-owned model marks a significant milestone in the local business landscape, promising to uphold the community-focused values that have been central to its identity.
