Beloved local bakery, café, and market White Lotus Farms, one of my favorite stops at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Kerrytown, is gearing up to open a brand-new brick‑and‑mortar location at 355 S. Zeeb Road, the former Mancino’s site, just down the road from Meijer.
White Lotus Farms began selling at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in 2015. They initially started their business in 2011, and the idea behind it evolved over a decade as members of the Tsogyelgar Buddhist Community explored ways to live according to Buddhist teachings. White Lotus Farms started with a small table at the farmer’s market and have since grown, making connections with other farmers and businesses.
What to Expect Inside the New Café
- Fresh-baked bread, pastries, pizzas, soups, salads, sandwiches and pastas, served daily for breakfast and lunch
- A retail market offering locally sourced produce, cheeses, pastas, grab‑and‑go items, and drinks
- A comfortable sit-down café environment designed to be warm and welcoming to families, remote workers, and neighbors
Trinle Tsomo of White Lotus Farms told The Sun Times News they’re thrilled to take their community offerings to the next level with a true storefront, allowing more consistent hours and expanded baking capabilities, including fresh bread 5 days a week.
Why This Matters to Ann Arbor-Area Residents
- Conveniently local – Zeeb Road is a central hub for Scio residents, offering quick access to premium baked goods and farm-fresh produce.
- Supports sustainable, small-scale food systems – The emphasis on locally sourced goods aligns with regional foodie values.
- Enhances quality of life – For locals, having a neighborhood café with artisanal options adds charm, and is a sign of growing community vitality as new homes continue to be built in the area.
Connecting Community & Real Estate
As a local real estate team, Piper Partners knows how important neighborhood amenities are to homebuyers. From walkable cafés to convenient markets, features like White Lotus Farms can make a big difference in both daily life and home values.
If you’re thinking about making Scio Township, or greater Ann Arbor, your home, our guide 8 Steps to Buying a Home in Michigan in 2025 can help you plan your purchase around neighborhoods that match your lifestyle.
Mark Your Calendar
Renovations are underway now, and the new White Lotus Farms café is hoping to open in August 2025; just in time for late summer brunches and cozy fall lunches. Keep an eye out for official updates on their website or social media.
Final Thoughts
When great local businesses like White Lotus Farms grow, it speaks volumes about a community’s vibrancy, and can help strengthen the appeal and value of nearby homes. If you’re exploring homeownership in the Ann Arbor–Scio area, now is the time to consider how lifestyle amenities like this piece into your search.
Curious how real estate trends align with community growth? Let’s talk. We can help you find the perfect neighborhood to call home.
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