A tri-tip sandwich at Fieldbrook Market & Eatery.
Michael J./YelpA NorCal market, known for pulled pork sandwiches with a homemade barbecue sauce, bowls of rich, steamy ramen, pizza puff pastries and more, is potentially closing for good. The owners announced the “very difficult decision” on Facebook.
“We have come to the very difficult decision to close the Market after this Sunday 12/10 for an extended period of time while we reset and possibly restructure,” read the Facebook post.
Fieldbrook Market & Eatery, at 4636 Fieldbrook Road in McKinleyville, was first established in 1966. Its latest owners, Lisa and Clark Springer, took over three years ago and have expanded it from a general store into a community hangout — a place that hosts live music, cornhole tournaments and special food pop-ups. Alongside its standard menu of burgers, tri-tip sandwiches, colorful salads and Reuben sandwiches, the beer list also holds an array of beers from local breweries.
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Two different kinds of pulled pork sandwiches at Fieldbrook Market & Eatery.
Ray F./YelpHowever, a “change in the economy” — rising costs, specifically — has caused the Clark’s to rethink everything, according to the Local Coast Output.
When the news was announced on social media, locals flooded the comments sections with words of encouragement, their love for the establishment and suggestions for how to keep the store alive.
“I want to help! Let’s get together & strategize,” Nate McKeever of nearby Arcata wrote in a Facebook comment. “The Market is the heart of Fieldbrook.”
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“So sad to hear this,” wrote Joelyn Smith. “Your business is something we cherish in this community.”
Lisa plans to continue using the commercial kitchen to make ramen, which she first fell in love with on a trip to San Francisco, and there will be a year-end party on Dec. 15 featuring music from the Lost Dogs, as well as a Santa for the kids. After that, though, the Clarks plan to take some time to think about what the future holds for Fieldbrook Market, Lisa told local media. They hope to have a better idea come 2024 and encourage fans to follow their social media for updates.
SFGATE reached out to Fieldbrook Market but did not hear back in time for publication.
