Meet Our Founder
At the age of 7, Te'Lario II founded Tiger Mushroom Farms after a Cub Scout Project ended. Te'Lario began selling his mushrooms at local farmers markets and received attention from several local media outlets. Te'Lario even had a chance to share his business on the Steve Harvey Show! (video below)
Today, Tiger Mushroom Farms provides fresh shiitake & oyster mushrooms to the community through Farmers Markets ( Worthington Farmers Market, Westgate Farmers Market & the Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers Market. Occasionally, Te'Lario will participate in pop-up markets throughout the area, you can follow him on social media for updates. You can also find Tiger Mushroom Farms products on the menu at fine restaurant establishments that favor quality local food like Ambrose & Eve, Preston's, Urban Farmer Cleveland, Gallos Tap Room, Skillet, Sassafras Bakery and more.
Today, Tiger Mushroom Farms provides fresh shiitake & oyster mushrooms to the community through Farmers Markets ( Worthington Farmers Market, Westgate Farmers Market & the Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers Market. Occasionally, Te'Lario will participate in pop-up markets throughout the area, you can follow him on social media for updates. You can also find Tiger Mushroom Farms products on the menu at fine restaurant establishments that favor quality local food like Ambrose & Eve, Preston's, Urban Farmer Cleveland, Gallos Tap Room, Skillet, Sassafras Bakery and more.
"The idea of Tiger Mushroom Farms began after I planted cat grass and basil seeds at my 1st Cub Scout meeting. I enjoyed watering MY plants and was eager to see their growth each day.
I began to wonder what else could I grow in Ohio in the wintertime. I remember reading a book about mushrooms. I told my parents and asked them about growing mushrooms. My parents bought me a mushroom kit...and the rest is history."
~Te'Lario Watkins II
I began to wonder what else could I grow in Ohio in the wintertime. I remember reading a book about mushrooms. I told my parents and asked them about growing mushrooms. My parents bought me a mushroom kit...and the rest is history."
~Te'Lario Watkins II
Community Service
Since becoming involved with the local food scene, Te'Lario learned about the issues of hunger & food insecurity. Te'Lario started a garden in his yard and donates the produce to local food banks. He is also a Hunger Hero with No Kid Hungry and hosts a Friendsgiving every year to raise money and awareness about ending hunger. Te'Lario was recently recognized as a 20 Under 20 Youth Leader by the Mayor of Columbus.