Shopping
Creative Women of the World (CWOW)
Located in the heart of downtown, Creative Women of the World features an assortment of handmade, fair-trade, and mission-driven products. However, their shop is just one small way they empower women around the world. CWOW goes into villages and gives local artisans the specific skills to create their own businesses and raise themselves out of poverty and disaster. So far, 200 artisans have participated in the training in eleven different countries. Sales and donations help provide additional training to women who want to change their future for themselves and their community.
MORE: An Interview with Lorelei Verlee — Founder of Creative Women of the World!
125 West Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Friends of the Third World (FOTW)
Located west of downtown, Friends of the Third World helps sell products made by exceptional enterprising groups in the Third World, including the Bombolulu Workshop for the Handicapped in Mombasa, Kenya, as well as trying to help Nicaraguan Medical Aid. It began in 1972 when students and teachers formed a fundraising project to aid the hungry. FOTW currently operates job training programs at its building in Fort Wayne and markets handmade crafts from 80 partner groups in 35 countries.
611 West Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Featured: Ziffles Zip N' Go Food Truck and the O.G Pulled Pork Sandwich and fries
YLNI Farmer's Market
Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) is a non-profit that helps connect young people with community mentors to aid in the development of future change-makers. The farmer's market is just one way that YLNI strives to bring vibrant attractions to the city.
Find these mission-driven vendors at the Saturday Market:
Windrose Exchange - "Windrose Exchange was created to provide dignified, meaningful, paid employment for teens/adults with employment barriers in a nurturing environment." Support them at local farmers markets.
Second Chance Animal Collars - Each unique collar or leash is handmade with recycled materials, and a percentage of each sale goes to a local humane shelter.
Baby Got S'mac, One Love Food Truck, Ziffles Zip N' Go - These yummy food trucks are owned by a talented and generous Chef who also operates Prime Boxing, the only USA Boxing-affiliated gym here in Fort Wayne. Not only does her food pack a delicious punch, but Prime Boxing provides a free youth club that includes two hours of tutoring and boxing instruction per week, along with a free meal for the families!
Out of a Jam - There is so much to love about this truck: the fast and friendly service, the talent of the young chefs aboard, and the hope they provide for struggling teens.
Shop the YLNI Farmer's Market on Saturdays:
Outdoor Market (May - October) — 302 E Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Indoor Market (November - April) — 1501 E Berry Steet, Fort Wayne, IN 46803
Dining
Featured: Steak with garlic whipped mashed potatoes and asparagus from BakerStreet Steakhouse
The Hoppy Gnome & GnomeTown Brewing, Proximo, and BakerStreet - ObiCai Restaurant Group
Owner James Khan's mission is simple: "to show love, that you matter, and that you're seen." Whether you dine in at one of the three distinct restaurants, or partake in a community thanksgiving dinner at BakerStreet, you are welcomed with open arms.
ObiCai and their team partner with some of the community's most vulnerable populations such as The Carriage House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Rescue Mission, and more. They believe in supporting individuals and families facing extenuating circumstances by responding graciously and generously to numerous donation requests each month, and by providing transitional employment to those who have experienced some of life's greatest hardships. In the coming months, they also hope to work with Easterseals to train and employ adults with disabilities in their daily operations.
Each location gives an unparalleled dining experience while maintaining a high quality of service and exceptional taste. Wine and dine at BakerStreet Steakhouse, and make sure to save room for the Flamin' Donuts or warm Carrot Cake a la mode. Head downtown to The Hoppy Gnome for delicious tacos, or book a brew session with a GnomeTown brewmaster and create your own beer to take home! Last but not least, explore Latin cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Proximo.
The Hoppy Gnome - 203 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
BakerStreet Steakhouse - 4820 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Proximo - 898 South Harrison Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Lucille's BBQ
Family-owned and operated Lucille's BBQ brings fresh smoked meat to Fort Wayne, and to those in need across America. When disaster arises, Owner Chris Wilson and his sons partner with OBR - Operation BBQ Relief to feed displaced families and first responders. Their efforts have helped feed over nine million meals to those affected by natural disasters.
Stop in at either of their locations to try a slab of ribs with one of their signature sauces, or some pulled pork nachos. Be sure to ask where their team is headed to next!
9011 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46818
GiGi's Genesis Health Bar
This unique health food cafe serves smoothies, sandwiches and salads made by individuals with Down Syndrome who have graduated from GiGi University. Every GiGi University graduate is involved in the business including customer service, food preparation, and sales. Participation in the shop gives individuals the opportunity for independence, self-confidence, and acceptance. You can also find their grab-and-go options at any of the nine All-American gas stations in town! Check out GiGi's Genesis Health Bar.
6081 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Tall Rabbit
The Tall Rabbit Cafe + Community is Blue Jacket, Inc.'s fourth social enterprise designed to transitionally hire its clientele desiring a chance to prove their worth in a very public way to the Fort Wayne community. Launched in December 2022, this coffee shop experience provides meeting and gathering spaces with many accommodations in a vintage, rustic throwback decor giving a subtle nod to the Tall Rabbit's namesake, Chief Blue Jacket. Tall Rabbit was his nickname. Baristas are trained in espresso-based artisan drinks.
2001 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
