‘Cap’ital success: The Mushroom Cap sells all things related to everyone’s favorite fungus. Click here to read article

“Ms. Mushroom” promotes famous fungi
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Mushroom fest gets national attention
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Welcome to The Mushroom Cap

My name is Kathi Lafferty and I am the owner of The Mushroom Cap which evolved from a desire to showcase the MUSHROOM in the Mushroom Capital of the World. 

Since buying a building at 112/114 W. State Street  in Kennett Square, PA  in 1997 to open “The Growing Tree”, a business I had started in 1984 at my home in Landenberg, PA, I often thought that Kennett Square needed a place for visitors or locals to buy Fresh Mushrooms right from the farm.  

My husband Tom and his brothers Phil and Steve have been operating the family mushroom business, that was started by their Dad, Philip in 1946, since the early ‘70s.  Our son Chris joined the family business in June, 2004 after graduating Penn State.  Our family grows the white (agaricus) mushroom. 

At The Mushroom Cap we show a 10 minute video on the Mushroom Industry in Chester County.  It is very informative.  All those who watch walk away having learned how mushrooms are grown, where they are grown (so many people want to know where the caves are) and who first started growing mushrooms in Kennett Square and how he did it.  This film eliminates the need to go on a farm tour.  Farm tours are offered once a year during The Mushroom Festival weekend in September.  It is a great task preparing for visitors to visit a mushroom farming operation on a daily basis, therefore not encouraged.  Videos can be purchased.

We are very proud to be in The Mushroom Capital of the World.  The smell in the area is a healthy one, often talked about in a negative way.  It comes and goes with each growing cycle.  After experiencing the smell of wood pulp in Franklin, VA that never goes away I can appreciate the fragrance of the mushroom growing medium!  You can purchase a 1 oz. jar of spent mushroom substrate that our white mushrooms actually grew in!  What a souvenir!  A mushroom charm is a bonus!

We hope to see you at The Mushroom Cap!  Since opening in August, 2004, we have had visitors from France, Australia and most States.  We are a very friendly bunch and will ask where you are from, what brings you to town, etc.  We give advice on where to eat and where to shop.  We  always ask for your address so that we can mail you a brochure for the Mushroom Festival!  You wouldn’t want to miss this great event.  

And the best kept secret underneath The Mushroom Cap is The Growing Tree. They are in the same building.  The Growing Tree is a women & children’s shop featuring consignment clothing, prom dresses (in season), baby gifts, personalized items, Christening & Communion apparel and Bedbugzz, a unique offering of designs for your child’s room.  

Hope to see you soon,

Kathi Lafferty