The Epicurean Trader Launches Equity Crowdfunding Offer
The San Francisco retailer is seeking investors through a new campaign on the platform StartEngine.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Investing
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San Francisco shoppers and regular customers of The Epicurean Trader can now take a direct financial stake in the local business. The company launched an equity crowdfunding campaign this week on the platform StartEngine.
Why it matters
Local retailers increasingly look to their own customer base for growth capital as they compete with larger chains. This move allows residents who frequent the four local shops to potentially own a piece of the company as it looks toward expansion.
The Epicurean Trader reported $8.4 million in revenue for fiscal 2025 and 6.5 million total website visits, though the specific valuation for this new equity crowdfunding campaign remains unknown.
The players
The Epicurean Trader
A San Francisco-based retailer operating four local shops, an e-commerce business, and a subscription platform.
Mat Pond
Co-founder of The Epicurean Trader.
Holly McDell
Co-founder of The Epicurean Trader.
The details
Founded by Mat Pond and Holly McDell in 2014, the company currently operates four retail locations in San Francisco alongside a national e-commerce arm and a subscription platform. The newly launched campaign on StartEngine allows for direct investment from the public. The business also signaled plans to reveal two additional physical locations later this year.
Timeline
2014: The Epicurean Trader was founded.
2025: The company generated $8.4 million in revenue.
October 28, 2026: The equity crowdfunding campaign launched.
Later this year: Two new locations are expected to be revealed.
Across the Bay
This campaign follows the path established by the JOBS Act, which modernized rules to allow small businesses to raise capital directly from retail investors rather than solely from venture firms. It marks a shift for local retail toward community-sourced funding models common in the Bay Area.
If you are a frequent customer, you can now evaluate the business model via the StartEngine platform. Keep an eye out for the two new, as-yet-undisclosed store locations expected to be announced before the end of the year.
The takeaway
Customers should review the investment disclosure documents on StartEngine carefully to understand the terms of the equity offer. Interested residents should watch for the company's upcoming site announcements for the two new locations planned for later this year.
Further reading
For more on how local businesses are raising capital, visit Investing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Progressive Grocer.
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