By Hannah Mitchell | Special to the East Valley Tribune
Agritopia, an agriculturally focused, multi-use community in Gilbert, is planning what’s shaping to be its largest project since its establishment. Epicenter at Agritopia will be a food-based shopping center established over an estimated 25 acres that aims to showcase local farmers and retailers in an innovative way.
Joe Johnston, originator of the Agritopia community and founder of local hot spots like Joe’s Real Barbecue, Liberty Market and Joe’s Farm Grill – the latter is located right on the Agritopia grounds – is at the forefront of the Epicenter project.
In a blog posted by Johnston in 2010, when the project idea was introduced, he stated that the “goal is to create a district that is characterized by passion, craft, quality and a sense of pride in the State of Arizona.”
Working alongside him is Agritopia project coordinator, Katie Critchley. She described Joe’s vision for Epicenter as “the future of strip malls.”
“He wants to break down the grocery store,” she said, “and rather see individuals honing their craft.”
That “craft” is key in the layout of Epicenter, where shoppers would shoppers would find locally grown products in an environment that exhibits proud, passionate service.
Part of establishing this sort of environment, Critchley explained, is to avoid any national, big-name chains.
