A Warm Welcome on the Ecusta Trail: Ecusta Market & Café
Meet Robert and Emily Gunn, the husband-and-wife team behind Ecusta Market & Café, a cozy and community-driven business built around local goods, trail-side relaxation, and strong coffee. We spoke with them about their journey, their inspiration, and what visitors can expect when they visit.
A Dream Rooted in Community
Robert and Emily both come from long careers in the service industry, but their goal was always to create something of their own.
“We wanted to create the kind of life where we could blend our home and work lives together,” Emily says. “And opening the Ecusta Market & Café was a way to do that.”
The idea took shape during one of their many trips to Greenville, SC. It sparked a vision: with the Ecusta Trail on the horizon in Hendersonville, why not build a place that captured that same spirit?
Built for the Trail
Located just steps from the Ecusta Trail, the Market & Café feels like it was meant to be here. The trail’s emphasis on healthy living and connection to the outdoors aligns perfectly with the Gunns’ vision for a welcoming, nourishing community hub.
“The reason we chose this location was simple—we wanted to create a spot where people could gather, enjoy good food, discover local products, and feel like they’re part of something.”
Robert and Emily are looking forward to welcoming even more visitors who might discover the market not by car, but by bike or on foot.
“We’ve had locals finding us through the parking lot,” Robert says. “Now people will be able to walk right in from the trail.”
Local First, Always
The heart of the market is its dedication to local products. Shoppers will find goods from over 500 local vendors, including produce, meats, dairy, pantry staples, gifts, and eco-friendly household items. Everything is clearly marked with color-coded shelf tags—blue for North Carolina-made, red for regional, gold for special handpicked items, and WNC-stamped tags for hyper-local goods.
“We wanted to give vendors a place to sell outside of farmers markets,” Robert shares. “Somewhere their products could live on the shelf and be discovered every day.”
Visitors consistently express their gratitude—not just for the great selection, but for the experience of being part of a space so deeply rooted in local values.
The Café: From Brown-Butter Lattes to Sunset Snacks
Step into the café side of the business and you’ll find craft espresso drinks, scratch-made pastries, and a menu of breakfast and lunch plates that rotate with the seasons. House-made syrups elevate every drink—honey lavender, vanilla, and the fan-favorite brown butter caramel are among the highlights.
“We actually make the brown butter and caramel from scratch and combine them for a latte that people really love,” Robert says.
Expect a warm and welcoming vibe, whether you’re grabbing a quick burrito before a ride or winding down with a glass of wine after a walk. The café’s counter-service style makes it approachable for both locals and first-time visitors, and the full patio seating area is perfect for lingering over a meal or drink.
A Place to Gather
More than just a place to shop or eat, Ecusta Market & Café has quickly become a true community hub. Visitors often mention how friendly and engaging the staff is—and how easy it is to strike up a conversation, whether at the coffee bar or while browsing the market shelves.
“People come for a lot of reasons,” Emily says, “but our staff is number one. They create this warm, welcoming, unpretentious space.”
And for families? There’s even more to love. A fenced-in children’s play area is in the works, featuring a whimsical playhouse, chalkboards, and space for kids to safely enjoy themselves while parents relax nearby.
The Start—and End—of Your Trail Day
With its unbeatable location, the Market & Café is designed to be both a launch pad and a landing place for trail users.
“We imagine people starting their day with us—getting coffee and breakfast, then heading out on the trail. And when they return, maybe they grab a beer, relax, let their kids play, and enjoy the evening.”
Whether you’re a visitor passing through Hendersonville or a local who loves to support small businesses, Ecusta Market & Café is a must-visit—where community, good food, and trailside charm meet.
Ready to plan your getaway?
Whether you’re dreaming of cozy cabins, charming inns, or modern hotels, we’ve got you covered!
Head to our Lodging Page to explore all your options. Need a little inspiration? Check out our curated list of unique stays: Stay Your Way.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Hendersonville!
