The Desert Oasis Market has grown steadily since opening in 2023, driven by word-of-mouth and a mission its copartners say is simple: to “glorify God” through honest business, quality baked goods and a welcoming atmosphere.
Owners Jonas Zimmerman and Ben Baer, both from Mennonite backgrounds, have built the Farmington market around non‑GMO products, friendly service and popular staples like sourdough bread, sweet breads and holiday pies.
They source most of their products from various Mennonite communities. Since opening their doors at 5600 Mickey Dr., Ste. A, in September 2023, the market has enjoyed steady growth, primarily with word-of-mouth advertising.
Zimmerman, who was born and raised in an older, horse-and-buggy Mennonite community in Missouri, attended a church grade school and worked in logging and in a sawmill. He fell in the middle of a family, with one brother and three sisters.
Zimmerman accepted a position about 13 years ago with Lamp and Light Publishing, producing Bible study correspondence courses.
Zimmerman said they “probably printed more Spanish than English,” serving students in Central and South America.
As a youth, Zimmerman was interested in baking, which he did for the family – and later for his own wife and children. He and his wife were blessed about two weeks ago with the birth of a son, joining twin boys, 3, and a daughter, 5.
The mission of the market was to be an oasis in the desert, a place for people to come and be refreshed with a treat they can take with them, he said, adding they have Bible verses on the walls and religious music in a market with a wide-variety of products.
“Bread is a hot seller,” Zimmerman said, along with their lemon and pecan pie bars. Also their sweet bread is popular and sourdough bread is their top seller. Pies, especially during the holidays, are another favorite.
“Honesty and simplicity,” are guiding principles for the business, he said. “And we try to provide a good value.”
“Friendliness,” he said is another important component to their business. “Yeah, we try to have a personal, friendly, welcoming” environment. Their staff is comprised of three young women from the community.
Baer, grew up in a family of nine and was born and raised in northern Alberta, Canada. His dad owned a bakery-deli and bulk and packaged food store for about eight years, beginning when he was about 5 years old. After that his dad moved into the construction business.
Baer, who moved to Farmington eight years ago, said starting a business was “not scary, but there’s always a lot to learn.”
“Well, you always start a business to make a living, right, but I think most of all, most important thing is to glorify God in what we do,” Baer said, regarding their mission.
Religion is the “core of what we do,” Baer said.
They grew “probably over 50% in 2025 and this year they’re on track to achieve at least a 30% increase in business. Their customers have spread the word “fairly widely on Facebook,” Baer said.
For Baer, the people he works with have been most rewarding. “We have lots of fun,” he chuckled.
Zimmerman added, “It seems like people appreciate having us here and a great blessing to see.”
Baer said his wife Marcia helps with the business, along with two of his four sons.
The partners, who do all the baking, alternate early shifts, arriving about 2:30 or 3 a.m. most mornings.
Some products are outsourced from other Mennonite communities, with certain one’s displaying the market’s label, while others such as the “Amish Wedding” products out of Ohio have their own label.
Baer said some products that have been around for decades may have been bought out by other companies. Troyer meats, which they carry, are an example, along with the Walnut Creek brand from Ohio.
Meats are low-sodium and free of antibiotics, Baer said.
The partners are optimistic about steady growth and look forward to owning a building large enough to accommodate expansion. They anticipate expanding their inventory to include more furniture built by the Amish in Pennsylvania.
Included in their offerings are handmade towels, aprons and candles made by the local Mennonite community.
Nathaniel Jacquez, who has stopped by nearly every week for the last three years, said he loves their scones. “They’re the best. And their meals are delicious as well.”
He described the vibe as “lovely. ”
I love the atmosphere,” he said. “Love the music. Love the people. Always kind, respectful, courteous, helpful.”