The Eggster Evolution: From Farmers Market to Cottage Flowers

Breakfast has long been touted as “the most important meal of the day,” with studies citing a myriad of health benefits. But when you’re always crunched for time (like many of us are), breakfast can feel like an afterthought—something you’ll enjoy if it happens to fit into your schedule. But Eggster is hoping to help us out by making it easier to prioritize the first meal of the day. 

If you frequent the YLNI Farmers Market, you’re likely familiar with Eggster already. They specialize in fast-but-fresh breakfast burritos, protein bowls, and mini-pancakes. And recently, they’ve opened their first café inside Cottage Flowers, so you can enjoy their breakfast outside of their Saturday farmers market setup. 

We visited Eggster’s new brick-and-mortar to learn more about the husband-wife duo behind the burritos, and the evolution that brought Eggster from Saturday markets to a grab-and-go café, now open six days a week.

Molly: Tell me about the beginning! What’s your background, and what inspired you to start Eggster? What was it about breakfast food that hooked you?

David: My background is in business and administration. I’ve always enjoyed working behind the scenes, handling the planning, finances, and making sure things stay organized and on track. But even though that’s my professional background, I’ve loved cooking since I was a kid. I used to watch and help my mom in the kitchen, and once I got old enough, I started cooking for myself. I’ve always had a knack for it, and breakfast has been my favorite meal for as long as I can remember.

Eggster really came out of a mix of passion and research. My wife, Yan, and I spent time looking into what kind of food people needed, especially for busy mornings. We realized there weren’t a lot of good options out there for something fast, fresh, and actually satisfying. That’s when we decided to create it ourselves. We wanted to offer something that tasted homemade, but worked for people on the go. That’s what got Eggster started, and we’ve been building on that idea ever since.

Molly: You’ve been popular at the YLNI Farmers Market for years. Can you talk about the farmers market experience and its community? What’s it like working there?

David: The YLNI Farmers Market is really where it all began for us. We started there in the winter market back in December of 2022, and it quickly became the heart of our business. There’s nothing like being out there on a Saturday morning, seeing familiar faces, and serving people who truly appreciate good food. It’s a place where you build relationships. You get to know your regulars by name, and they get to know you too. That kind of connection is hard to find anywhere else.

Working the market is definitely a lot of work. It’s early mornings, setup, teardown, sometimes battling weather, but the energy makes it all worth it. We’ve had some of our best days out there, even when it’s raining. What’s special about the YLNI market is the sense of community. Everyone is working hard, supporting each other, and trying to bring something positive to Fort Wayne. It’s been a huge part of our growth and a big reason why people know about Eggster today.

Molly: What led to you starting up a brick-and-mortar location? And how did you get connected to the folks at Cottage Flowers?

David: Even though customers would often ask us if we had a permanent location outside of the market, we really weren’t looking to make that move. We were focused on the farmers market, and growing in a way that made sense for our family. But sometimes the right opportunity just finds you.

There was another vendor we knew who was looking at the space inside Cottage Flowers, but he ended up deciding not to pursue it because it didn’t fit his business model. Through talking with him, we got connected to the owner of Cottage Flowers, and the rest is history. 

The timing felt right, and the space had a charm to it that we really liked. It gave us a chance to have a small, cozy spot in the heart of Downtown, where people could find us during the week. And the partnership has been great. Their shop brings beauty and personality to the space, and our café brings in a fresh energy and more foot traffic. It’s been a win for both sides.

Molly: For folks who haven’t had your food yet, what can diners expect at Eggster?

David: At Eggster, we serve classic American breakfast that’s hot, fresh, and fast. Our main offerings include scrambled eggs, hickory smoked bacon, breakfast sausage, seasoned potatoes, and melted American cheese. Everything is served in a soft flour wrap (burrito style) or in a bowl if you prefer it without the wrap. It’s hearty, satisfying, and made to keep you going through the day.

We also make mini pancakes fresh on the spot. You can get them plain with syrup, topped with whipped cream and drizzle, or try our Meats & Maple version, which adds bacon and sausage topped with maple syrup. They’re a big hit with kids and adults alike.

For drinks, we have brewed coffee, iced coffee, flavored cappuccinos, and tea refreshers. The café has a chill, laid-back vibe, with a splash of 90s energy. We keep things simple and focus on getting the basics right: good food, good service, and a good start to your day.

Molly: Do you have a personal favorite menu item?

David: I enjoy everything we serve, so it’s hard to pick just one. Although the Burrito Max is our most popular item, my favorite is the Eggster. It’s meatless and made with scrambled eggs, seasoned potatoes, and melted cheese. It’s simple, but it has a great flavor and always hits the spot.

I also really like the Whip & Drizzle mini pancakes. They’re lighter but still satisfying, especially with the whipped cream and drizzle on top. It’s a fun item and always a favorite for people with a sweet tooth.

Molly: Is there anything else you want readers to know about you, your team, or the Eggster brand?

David: Eggster is truly a family-run business. My wife, Yan, and I co-own it, and she currently runs the café as general manager. Our daughter works with us, and our son helps out whenever he can. We all pitch in and wear a lot of hats, and we care deeply about the quality of what we serve and the way we treat people.

Our team may be small, but everyone who works with us brings a lot of heart and effort into what they do. Whether it’s greeting customers, preparing food, or handling the little things behind the scenes, we all share the same goal: making someone’s day a little better with great food and great service.

We also want people to know that Eggster isn’t just about breakfast. It’s about building something that reflects who we are. We value hard work, honesty, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. That’s the heart behind the brand, and we’re thankful for the community that has supported us every step of the way.

Eggster is committed to not only being part of the community, but also being a good partner to others within it. We believe in working together, supporting local efforts, and helping other small businesses and organizations thrive alongside us.

In addition to our café and farmers market booth, we also offer catering, participate in local events, and can help with fundraising opportunities. If you’re planning something and want to work with a local business that truly cares, we’d love to be part of it.

To learn more about Eggster, check out their website (where you can also order online) or follow them on Facebook or Instagram!

And don’t miss their grand opening celebration on August 29th from 8am to 2pm!