Woodlake Market redefines its role in Kohler

Meghan Diemel

Contributor

October 5, 2026

KOHLER – A mainstay in Kohler, Woodlake Market completed an extensive renovation and redesign this past year, reopening July 17. 

Since then, Stephen Beaumont, president of Kohler Hospitality, said staff have been busy providing shoppers with groceries, elevated prepared food, wellness products, café and gathering spaces, as well as an artisanal chocolate boutique – all under one roof.

“Woodlake Market has been a part of everyday life in Kohler for more than 40 years,” he said. “We’re proud to honor the market’s history while creating something that serves the community today. This next chapter creates a welcoming place for people to shop local and discover something new.”

Located adjacent to the Inn on Woodlake and Taverne on Woodlake, the new market features interactive programming such as tastings, seasonal workshops and pop-up experiences, incorporating local craftsmanship. 

Alex Dorn, food and beverage senior director with Kohler Hospitality, said at the center of the experience is an assortment of products that balances trusted staples with other unique finds. 

He said about 80% of the grocery offerings are sourced from organic products, alongside premium pantry provisions, specialty foods, wellness-focused products, artisanal snacks, fresh bakery selections, frozen treats, specialty beverages and elevated grab-and-go meals.

“It’s been really good,” he said. “I think we’ve seen some really good flow and positive surprises in certain areas. I think there was more pent-up demand for this kind of coffee shop and a place to linger and hang out, and I think we’ve seen a lot of good positive traction from Foundry Cat [Coffee Stop] reopening in that space.”

Dorn said the same thing can be said for Kohler Chocolates. 

“With Kohler Chocolates having a more sophisticated deli to go along with the pizza restaurant, that has been a really good thing for the community,” he said. 

Dorn said a new Kohler Chocolates boutique brings another signature Kohler experience to the market. 

Founded by way of Herbert Kohler Jr.’s pursuit of creating the “perfect” chocolate turtle, the collection has grown into a celebrated line of handcrafted confections produced right in Kohler, he said. 

Dorn said the boutique features playful details throughout, including lighting inspired by chocolate wrappers.

Additionally, he said Woodlake Market has continued its tradition of supporting local makers and Kohler-based brands. 

Featured partners, Dorn said, include Kohler Honey, Kohler Beer, Foundry Cat Coffee, Broadway Popcorn Co., Drewry Farms maple syrup, J. Henry & Sons Bourbon and other regional producers.

For those looking for experiences throughout the week at Woodlake Market, he said Wednesdays offer Sip & Samples, Fridays support Market Moments and Kohler Kids is held every Saturday morning. 

Wisconsin’s cheesemaking history is also represented at Woodlake Market, Dorn said, through a curated selection of artisan cheeses and educational tasting experiences. 

Guided by knowledgeable cheese specialists, he said guests can discover products from respected makers, including Carr Valley Cheese Co., Henning Cheese, Hook’s Cheese Co., LaClare Creamery, Deer Creek Cheese and more.

“From a cheese standpoint, there’s so much going on in that space, and by having a cheesemonger…, he’s constantly sourcing new things,” he said. “We now have more than 170 cheeses you can get if you were to walk in today. We keep growing that and finding new relationships with places like Carr Valley that have been really good partners so far.”

Honoring the past, but built for today

Leadership said the market was reimagined through a collaborative design process led by Kohler’s in-house design team, in partnership with an award-winning interior design firm, AvroKO. 

They said clear wayfinding, an improved layout and more gathering space would aid guests who want to explore, shop and connect. 

Nina Kohler, strategy and design lead of Kohler Hospitality, said historic architectural elements, including the original structural columns, were retained as part of a design approach that blends the site’s legacy with a contemporary aesthetic, while a cohesive, nature-themed palette and layered finishes reinforce the market’s welcoming atmosphere.

“Every decision here was guided by a single philosophy: to find the magnificent in the mundane…,” she said. “We intentionally curated every detail to feed both body and soul, whether you’re stopping in for an espresso, sourcing ingredients for dinner or uncovering a new local artisan.”

The LEED-certified project drew elements from the surrounding Wisconsin landscape through layered greens, natural stone, handcrafted tile and tactile finishes, Dorn said. 

He said each culinary concept has its own identity, while remaining part of a cohesive overall experience. 

“Custom signage pulled from traditional markets, locally sourced materials, regional millwork, Kohler fixtures and Ann Sacks tile showcase craftsmanship throughout the space,” he said. “Accessibility was also integrated from the outset, with counters, seating and circulation paths designed to provide a seamless and welcoming experience for all guests. The flow is much different [from a traditional grocery store layout] in the sense it is open.” 

Nurturing a lifestyle destination

Woodlake is also now host to more than provisions. 

As Dorn said, there are many different experiences at Woodlake Market, and there’s always something new to explore as leadership gauges what works and what doesn’t.
Developing new and engaging ways to utilize the spaces at Woodlake Market is an ongoing task, Dorn said. 

He said one example of future ideas they’re discussing is allowing customers to buy a cut of meat at the meat case and having it cooked on-site.

“We’re still trying to work through things like that,” he said.

Dorn said Woodlake Market serves as a reflection of the broader shift in consumer preferences toward experiential retail, wellness and community-driven destinations – and it’s a place company leadership hopes quickly becomes a lifestyle destination. 

“Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting one night, return for pizza and wine with their friends the next night and then stop back in on Saturday to grab an assortment of cheeses before the big game on Sunday,” he said. “They can pick up a recipe card upon entering the market, shop for the ingredients and take the guesswork out of what to serve for dinner. Visitors earlier this fall even took a gnocchi-making class, led by famous chef Scott Conant.”

Dorn said it’s a place for people to spend their time, whether they’re resort guests or local.

“I’m excited to see how the market continues to transform with the holidays and the seasons,” he said. “Whether it’s change at the retail tables, doing more with the candy truck or how we change flavors in pizza or the deli, [it’s about] constantly keeping things new and fresh, while also making sure we stay focused on things people really want and enjoy.”