Hundreds of thousands of people visit Tamarack Marketplace, located off I-64 in Beckley, every year to shop for artisan goods crafted across the state. Supporting local is at the heart of this hub, and every aspect — from the products sold to the artwork exhibited and even the food served — aims to fulfill the mission of celebrating West Virginia’s culture, craftsmanship and community.
“The restaurant at Tamarack plays a vital role in showcasing the best of West Virginia by incorporating locally sourced ingredients from the state’s farmers and producers into its menu items and features,” says Tamarack’s Executive Director, Tammy Coffman. “By highlighting these fresh, high-quality ingredients, the restaurant supports the local economy and emphasizes the unique agricultural heritage of the region.”
Described as a “fast-casual model with an elevated product,” the restaurant serves Appalachian-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday as well as for an all-day Sunday brunch. Think freshly baked biscuits smothered with homemade sausage gravy; double-stacked, local beef smashburgers; house-smoked, hand-pulled pork with homemade barbecue sauce and tender, flaky chicken pot pie.
“The menu is deeply influenced by Appalachian food traditions, offering guests a taste of authentic regional flavors with a modern twist, and dishes are crafted to celebrate West Virginia’s culinary diversity,” Coffman describes. “We update the menu twice a year to reflect current trends and seasonal ingredients ensuring that our offerings remain fresh, innovative, rooted in the flavors of West Virginia. This dynamic approach allows us to honor tradition while also embracing the evolving tastes of our guests.”
Originally, Tamarack’s food service was managed by The Greenbrier — with the iconic resort even providing samples of its fried green tomatoes to guests during Tamarack’s groundbreaking in August 1994.
“They created the model for the restaurant and the menu in the beginning,” Coffman says.
While The Greenbrier has since phased out its involvement in the restaurant over the last several years, many menu staples, including favorites like the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich, Chicken Salad Croissant, Peaches & Cream, and Rainbow Trout remain.
“We maintained a lot of those recipes, and they are still signatures for us,” Coffman explains.
Now, the restaurant is run by Tamarack’s culinary services team, which is made up of over a dozen experienced hospitality professionals including line cooks, prep cooks, bakers and sous chefs under the direction of Executive Chef Derek Carter and Sous Chef Emily Atkinson.
“Together, this group works in harmony to create exceptional dishes that highlight the flavors of West Virginia, combining traditional techniques with innovative approaches to Appalachian cuisine,” Coffman says. “Our team’s passion for quality and creativity ensures that every dining experience reflects the best of what our region has to offer.”
Along with the long-standing dishes that people have come to know and love, the restaurant also offers a rotating featured Chef’s Special that isn’t on the main menu.
“We’ve introduced a variety of specials over the years, including rice and grain bowls, diverse fish dishes, and pasta creations all complemented by locally sourced produce as seasonal side options,” Coffman says. “These offerings allow us to showcase the best of West Virginia’s ingredients while providing a range of flavorful and contemporary dishes for our guests.”
In addition to the restaurant, Tamarack also offers on-site catering in its Conference Center.
“We have a very large conference center and meeting space where we host numerous events,” Coffman describes. “From weddings to training, fundraisers to holiday parties, we’re very familiar with catering in-house for everything from a small party of 25 to a large party of 400.”
Tamarack Marketplace’s creative combination of dining, shopping and art has solidified the venue as a renowned showcase of local culture and one of the Mountain State’s most distinctive destinations.
“Tamarack Marketplace offers a comprehensive experience that immerses visitors in the best of West Virginia’s arts, craftsmanship, and cuisine, making it a worthwhile stop for both travelers and locals alike,” Coffman adds.
Tamarack Marketplace is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
