The Mushroom Cap.

Kathi Lafferty's idea was a natural--Kennett Square, the Mushroom Capital of the World, needed a store that sold all things mushroom.

Lafferty's family, including husband Tom and son Chris, were also the natural mushroom family to open The Mushroom Cap, now the premier store in Chester County, PA, devoted to the sale of fresh mushrooms, gifts, collectibles and the dissemination of mushroom history.

"It was Kathi's idea to sell mushrooms and give out information on the storing, washing, preparation and cooking of mushrooms," said Tom. People were asking why Kennett Square, the Mushroom Capital of the World, didn't have a store selling fresh mushrooms. We didn't want to send them to a chain grocery store," he said.

The store recently added additional information on mushroom history when the Phillips family offered Kathi displays from the former Phillips Mushroom Museum that closed a few years ago. Kathi will add to the mushroom exhibit as mushroom growers and collectors contribute memorabilia.

The store is full of mushroom themed gifts and Kathi is always looking for additional items. A specialty item, "Kennett Square Potpourri," is available in a one-ounce jar consisting of Spent Mushroom Substrate/Mushroom Compost. For information on the shop, see www.themushroomcap.com

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