BY ROBIN MIMNA

On Feb. 6, the DeLand and Greater West Volusia Chamber of Commerce hosted a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at Northwest Square to welcome a new local business: Bernard’s Market. Organized by Chamber Event Coordinator Peggy Smith, the event was a celebration of community and a passion for great food. Local leaders, residents and fellow business owners gathered to support co-owners Stephanie Sousa and Nicole Perry as they celebrated their new neighborhood grocery store.

Michael Culbertson, president of the Chamber, shared words of encouragement during the ceremony. “You have our back, and we have your back,” he said. “We look forward to helping your business grow.”

A neighborhood market with a personal touch

Bernard’s Market is more than just a grocery store — offering a selection of specialty goods, fresh produce and unique products. The market provides imported and hard-to-find groceries, locally sourced staples, deli meats, cheeses and fresh produce. It also serves Centro Tea Co., a locally recognized brand.

For Sousa and Perry, food has always been a passion. 

“We’re food nerds,” Sousa laughed. “We grocery-shop for fun. At least once a month, we used to drive to Orlando just to stock up on international groceries. We thought, why not bring that diversity here to DeLand?”

Their goal is to offer high-quality products while creating a welcoming space for the community. Whether customers are looking for everyday essentials like eggs, milk and bread or something more adventurous like imported snacks and specialty items, Bernard’s Market delivers a unique shopping experience.

Finding a home in Northwest Square

Northwest Square, located in Downtown DeLand’s Northwest Historic District, provides a historic setting for Bernard’s Market. Originally built in 1926 as Trinity United Methodist Church, the 30,000-square-foot building has been redeveloped by Chris and Jessica Levings into a mixed-use space featuring event venues, apartments, a food hall, a taproom, and small businesses. Vendors at Northwest Square include Chapel Tap, offering a wide selection of Florida-based craft beer, as well as Tropi Shack, La Pinsa, and Oliver and Gray Home.

“I love hearing customers share memories of this building,” Sousa said. “Many have told us that our space was once their childhood classroom. That’s really special. We’re looking forward to continuing that tradition of learning by hosting cooking classes in the future.”

Supporting local, sourcing the best

With a strong focus on quality, Bernard’s Market carefully selects its products and vendors.

“We bring in items we’ve personally tried and loved, or those our customers have recommended,” Sousa explained. “We also prioritize local goods — like fresh backyard chicken eggs and artwork from local artists.”

The duo are eager to collaborate with more local farms for fresh vegetables, meat and poultry. 

“We’re still searching for the right farm partners,” Perry added. “We want to bring the best of local agriculture to our customers.”

Growing with the community

Since opening, Bernard’s Market has received a warm and enthusiastic response from the community. Perry noted, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and excitement. It’s been amazing to connect with people who share our love for good food.”

As for the future, the owners have plenty of plans. They’re expanding their grab-and-go offerings with sandwiches, soups, pickled vegetables, and charcuterie boards. They also dream of launching their own line of specialty products, including spice blends, roasted nuts, and fermented goods. “We love experimenting and bringing new flavors to the table,” Perry said.

A call to support local

For Sousa and Perry, the success of Bernard’s Market is about more than just their store — it’s about fostering a thriving local business scene. “The best way to support us and other local businesses is to spread the word,” Sousa said. “There are so many great places popping up in Downtown DeLand, and we’re just steps away from it all.”

As they settle into their new home, Sousa and Perry are excited about the journey ahead. “If you’re passionate about something, just go for it,” Perry said. “DeLand is an amazing place to start something new, and we’re so grateful to be part of this community.”

For those stopping by Bernard’s Market for the first time, Perry has one piece of advice: “Try the coffee or tea — it’s a must!”