Chatting with Victoria's Fancy Foods Owner

The town of Severna Park is full of local businesses that provide great services for the community.

In order to get a better sense of the owners and managers behind the businesses, Patch started a new column. Severna Park Patch talks with local business owners about life in Severna Park and how they got their start.

This week, Patch spoke with Victoria's Fancy Foods owner Victoria Stagmer.

Victoria's Fancy Foods, a gourmet food and specialty wine shop, has been in Severna Park for for five years.

Severna Park Patch: What is your favorite part about running a business in Severna Park?
Victoria Stagmer: Connecting with the local community and becoming a part of a small town atmosphere. I love being able to greet my clients by name when they shop with me, and consider them my friends.

Severna Park Patch: How did your business get started, and where did the idea come from?
Stagmer: Today’s [economic] condition. I sell a premium product that is sometimes a splurge to many in today’s economy. I do, although, feel that I have established the integrity of the products I provide and my clients now see the value in purchasing a higher quality consumable. Knowing that you are feeding your family foods of highest quality and nutritional value affords no price.

Severna Park Patch: What’s the biggest challenge Victoria's Fancy Foods has overcome?
Stagmer: It actually came to me when I moved here in 2001 and was scoping out the local food vendors looking for the ingredients that I had come accustomed to on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and was unable to find simple staples like saffron and anchovy paste. I said, gee, this town really needs a gourmet shop.

Severna Park Patch: What’s unique about your business? Why should customers visit?
Stagmer: I sell only clean foods. Clean equals naturally raised, without herbicides, pesticides, growth stimulants or antibiotics. I know the farmers who supply my shop and have visited most of their farms. I am a Certified Wine Specialist with formal training. I taste every bottle of wine (and food product) before purchasing to offer to you and your family. I stand behind every product I sell 100 percent. If it would not go home with me to my family, it will not be offered to you and your family.

Severna Park Patch: What’s a typical day like for you?
Stagmer: I spend a great deal of time in my shop, arriving usually by 8:30 a.m. and stay until closing at 7 p.m. I am the janitor, the buyer, the marketer, the dishwasher, the salesperson, the overall happy shopkeeper. It’s a wholesome existence.

Severna Park Patch: What other local businesses do you like to frequent?
Stagmer: Whenever I have a need, I think of the local businesses that I can support to keep our community healthy. I do not use big box stores or large chain stores. Always think local first.

See Also:

• Chatting with Mutt & Joe Manager Heather Jones
• Chatting with Breakfast Shoppe Owner Kyle Algaze
• Chatting with Spark Running Owner Caitlin Burman
• Chatting with the Owner of Kirsten’s Cakery
• Chatting with the Owner of Clement Hardware
• Chatting with The Big Bean Owner Deb Hoffman
• Chatting with Franklin's Toys Owner Jeff Franklin

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