Nestled in the heart of Midway, a new kind of café has taken root—one that blends the charm of a small-town market with the grounded beauty of farm life. The Ballerina Farm Store, founded by Hannah and Daniel Neeleman, is more than just a place to grab lunch or local produce. It’s the newest branch of their ever-growing family venture.
Building on their online presence, the Neelemans have developed Ballerina Farm into much more than a brand. It’s a reflection of a slower, more intentional way of living; one where food is made from scratch, family is central, and hard work is a daily rhythm.
According to Lulu Shaffer, the PR and marketing Coordinator for Ballerina Farm, Hannah and Daniel always imagined creating a place where people could “experience a taste of farm life firsthand.” After years of sharing their family’s daily routine online—from early morning milking to homemade bread and butter—the couple wanted a physical space that captured the same intentional, wholesome spirit. Their inspiration also came from traveling abroad. “Hannah fell in love with small, niche grocery stores that carried only the best of every product. The Midway store and café really became the realization of both of those dreams.”
With this vision in mind, Midway—with its scenic mountain backdrop and European feel—was a natural choice. “Hannah and Daniel always loved bringing the kids to Midway,” said Lulu. “It’s not too far from their farm in Kamas, and they loved the small, quaint charm of the town. It was a perfect place for their first store.”
That atmosphere is something customers feel the moment they walk in. The Ballerina Farm Store glows with warm light and is filled with rustic shelves stocked with curated goods. The comforting scent of freshly baked focaccia wafts through the air, greeting all who enter. “The goal was to create a space that feels welcoming and thoughtful—like your favorite neighborhood grocery with a little bit of magic,” Lulu explained. “Every detail was chosen intentionally. Everything here is meant to be beautiful, useful, and a joy to bring home.”
The menu showcases that same care. It’s seasonal, simple, and ingredient-focused—built on what’s grown and raised on the farm, sourced from nearby Utah producers, and complemented by small-batch goods from around the world. Focaccia sandwiches, crisp salads, and pastries crafted each morning reflect the café’s commitment to honest food and genuine connection. “The store mirrors Hannah and Daniel’s approach to life,” Lulu said. “It’s slow, intentional, and close. It’s curated, seasonal, and practical. They’re always learning and trying new things in their own life—nothing about it is static.”
The heart of that creativity lives in the kitchen, led by Head Chef Avery Jensen. A graduate of Ireland’s Ballymaloe Cookery School—the same intensive program Hannah and Daniel completed. Avery brings the philosophy of ingredient-first cooking to life every day. Her mornings begin before the café opens; she preps, plans, and bakes everything from scratch alongside her kitchen team. “It’s been so fun,” Avery said with a smile. “The team is incredible. Our kitchen staff is all women—they’re the hardest workers. We get more and more tasks put on us, and they just kill it.”
Her time at Ballymaloe influenced not only how she cooks, but how she nurtures and inspires her team. “I think it’s cool to come from Ballymaloe to here and bring that ingredient-forward, straight-from-the-farm perspective into a place like this,” she said. “We prioritize sourcing local and highlighting the farmers who make it possible. They put in so much hard work—it’s rewarding to bring their ingredients to life. Everything is made daily; we don’t want anything that’s been sitting around or overly preserved.”
The kitchen’s collaborative spirit extends beyond Avery’s leadership. Hannah and Daniel remain closely involved in shaping the menu, often brainstorming alongside Avery and her team. The brand recently brought on a recipe developer to help expand offerings. The menu changes monthly, reflecting what’s in season and keeping regulars eager to see what’s next.
Since opening its doors, the Midway store has been met with enthusiasm from locals and travelers alike. The town’s response, Lulu said, has been “overwhelmingly positive.” “People are so excited to have a place like this in town,” Lulu shared. “Like any new addition, it brings attention and some mixed feelings, but many local businesses have shared how foot traffic has increased, and how visitors often make a day of exploring the area.”
Of course, the café’s success isn’t just local. Ballerina Farm’s massive online following has also played a part. Fans travel from across the country—sometimes internationally—to visit the store they’ve watched take shape online. “The brand’s online audience has become a real-world community,” says Lulu. “It’s been fun to meet them in person.”
While there’s plenty of excitement about what’s next, the team says they’re not in a rush to grow too fast. “We’d love to expand into a full restaurant concept and incorporate more food options in the future,” Lulu said. “But for now, we’re focused on doing a few things really well.” That dedication to quality and care is part of what makes the store feel so special—a reflection of the Ballerina Farm ethos itself.
At its core, Ballerina Farm has always been about connection—between people, the land, and the food they share. “The ultimate goal,” Lulu said, “is to keep offering products and experiences that are grounded in quality and connection. Ballerina Farm is more than a business; it’s a family legacy. And that will always shape the path forward.”
In an age of fast food and faster living, The Ballerina Farm Store feels like a breath of fresh mountain air. Every loaf of bread, every cone of ice cream, and every locally sourced ingredient carries a story—one of hard work, community, and the simple joy of slowing down. Whether it’s a traveler stopping by for lunch or a local grabbing groceries on their way home, the store invites everyone to experience a little slice of that farm life—thoughtful, genuine, and full of heart.
More info:
101 W Main, Midway
ballerinafarm.com
