The Farmers Market Annex is owned by local entrepreneur and specialty florist Scott Barriball. The Market is currently celebrating its Tenth Anniversary under the ownership and management of Barriball.

In addition to owning and managing the Farmers Market, Barriball also owns and operates Market Flowers, a floral shop specializing in high-end and value-based bouquets arrangements, located on the skyway level of the new U.S. Bank Tower , 8000 Nicollet Mall, downtown Minneapolis . Barriball also operates the popular Nicollet Mall Farmers Market each Thursday during the summer months.

During the past ten years, Barriball has invested heavily in making capital improvements to the Farmers Market property to enable the throngs of guests to better enjoy themselves. Over $250,000 in physical improvements have been made to the Market, which include electrical outdoor lighting, painting, new building fixtures, upgraded bathrooms, the repairing and resealing of blacktop, a new fence, the replacement of all windows, the installation of a sound system, the removal of portions of blacktop - with replacement of cement in certain areas, expanded cleanliness of concession area, permanently built concession booth structures, safety improvements, $20,000 in improvements on Border Avenue; trees, shrubbery, landscaping and major parking improvements.

Possible growth plans for the Market include an enlarged concession area, enhanced food offerings, the continued upgrading of facilities and amenities, a marquee billboard, a garden center (back half of building), park equipment for children, and the addition of fun food for children (mini donuts, etc.).

Over the past decade, the Farmers Market ownership and management team has worked extremely hard to be a "good neighbor" and a responsible steward of the tremendous community resources that they currently manage and operate.

The Farmers Market Annex has a symbiotic relationship and strong community partnership with the Central Minnesota Vegetable Growers Association, ongoing affiliation with the leadership of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, and a working relationship with the Paper Depot and the adjoining properties to the Market - with a mutual admiration and respect for each other and the customers that they serve.

In 2005, The Farmers Market Annex will work with the Hennepin County African American Men Project to launch five new start-up businesses at the Farmers Market, to be included in a new economic development and entrepreneurial initiative launched by Hennepin County . The Farmers Market Annex is committed to assisting with the start-up of new and creative businesses, and has helped countless entrepreneurs find and follow their dreams.

When asked what he wants the legacy of the Farmers Market Annex to be in the years to come, Barriball answered, "I want to keep our historical identity, yet keep up with the ever-changing times. There will be more and more unique offerings by more and more creative and diverse vendors. The best is yet to come! "