It seems like just yesterday that we were first talking to Saratoga Olive Oil Company owner Chad Braidwood, welcoming them to Church Street, and learning all about olive oils and balsamics. Well, in the proverbial blink of an eye, they are celebrating their second anniversary and throwing a weekend long celebratory bash – so we thought it would be a good idea to stop by and see how things have been going and get the inside scoop on the weekend’s festivities. 

1. Community

In talking with Chad and General Manager Kaitlin Ryan, it’s immediately apparent just how important being involved with the community is to them. From Tasting Dinners to community events like Winter Weekend (with activities like the ice carving demo seen above), it’s clearly a huge priority to not only be a part of the activities, but to really roll up their sleeves and help create a better downtown experience. In their words;

“Part of what makes Burlington – and Vermont as a whole – such a special place are those intense community based feelings. It’s really easy to see and feel how your local community is supporting you and in turn how happy you are to do more and help back.”

Having reached out and partnered with many local restaurants and products, it’s very easy to see just how seriously they value the local atmosphere and economy.

“One of the parts of job that I love the most is being able to work directly with local businesses.  Grand Isle Pasta, not only are they delicious, but they do great work with local farms to make their products, so it’s wonderful to be able to work with them. We also have a wonderful relationship with Green Mountain Bee Farm. The Willard family is just so passionate about their product and really focused on being extremely high quality. Ben from Benito’s Hot Sauce and Syrup – people absolutely love that we carry them and just can’t get enough. We recently worked with Middlebury Chocolates again and they made peppermint patties using our blood orange olive oil.They’re always willing to try really cool, new ideas and products.”

2. Education

As laid back and relaxed as it is in the shop, there are some really important benefits to using fresh and unique olive oils and balsamics. The incredibly impressive health benefits might not be a part of your average shopping experience, however, the hands on approach to the store (free samples of every single variety every day!), coupled with the knowledgable and approachable staff, really leaves you wanting to learn more, and invariably asking tons of questions.

“We really aim to have fun educating people on olive oil – the fresher the better – we’re able to  talk to our customers and explain our chemical readings, in a super relatable way, and let them know the benefits of having it be incredibly fresh.”

3. Fun

With their two year anniversary this weekend, Saratoga Olive Oil Co. really wanted to focus on having fun and giving back to a community that they love to be a part of. They’ve partnered with My Little Cupcake to bring you free treats on Saturday and Sunday using SOOC Espresso and Strawberry balsamics. If you’ve ever had something from My Little Cupcake, you know that these are going to be out-of-this-world delicious.

All day Friday they’ll be doing Gift Card Giveaways. Spend $25 and get a $5 gift card, spend $50 get $10, spend $75 get $15, spend $100 get $20 – you get the idea! With all the specials and promotions that they do every month, not only will these gift cards go far, but they’re a great idea for anyone who loves good food.

On Saturday, your shopping fate is in your own hands as you decide the discount and get 10-40% off of your purchase! With a fusti all set up with corks of every color, you reach in, see what color you picked and get your attached discount.

And on Sunday, they’re just plain giving it away for free. A 60ml bottle is free with any purchase and you’re automatically entered to win a $100 Gift Basket raffle.

In short – they’ve got gift cards, a pick your own discount fusti, free bottles, a gift basket raffle, and cupcakes! What more could you possibly need to know?

For more info on the timing and details of all the festivities, please visit their Facebook page or give them a call at 802.489.5276. Make sure to stop by and visit – it’s going to be a really great time!

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Saratoga Olive Oil Company is located at 86 Church St. in Burlington, VT. Open Mon – Thur: 11 am to 6 pm / Fri – Sat: 11 am to 7 pm / Sun: 11 am to 5 pm, Saratoga Olive Oil Co. is a family business owned and operated by Clint Braidwood, Barbara Braidwood and Chad Braidwood. To learn more about all the awesomeness that goes on at Saratoga Olive Oil Co.[Editors Note: We really do mean that – not only are there always cool events and tastings going on, but everyone who works there is incredibly knowledgeable and great to talk to!] please read Following the Crush: 5 Questions with Saratoga Olive Oil Co.