On the Mark Fine Food and Provisions: Gourmet Delights with Authentic Palm Springs Flair
As part of our "Love Local" series, we spotlight shops, restaurants, spas, attractions, and businesses that define Greater Palm Springs' unique personality—stories that capture our destination's one-of-a-kind experiences and win our hearts. To know them is to love them.
What Does "Love Local" Mean to You?
"It means supporting your community—both residents and small businesses."
After years in the restaurant industry, Mark Van Laanen sought to fill a gap in Greater Palm Springs: a gourmet market and deli. In September 2017, he opened On the Mark Fine Food and Provisions in Palm Springs' Uptown Design District. This one-stop shop quickly gained fame for artisan cheeses, small-batch oils and vinegars, and craft beer and wine before relocating downtown—spot the vibrant yellow and pink polka-dot cow out front.
“Cheese is our No. 1 seller,” says the Wisconsin native, with wine a close second, alongside “all this fun product in between.” The store brims with salamis, sweets, pastas, pâtés, and local gems like Bread & Flours granola, Desert BBQ sauce, and Tutu’s tortilla chips.
“Palm Springs has a nice small-town feel despite the big-city crowd,” Mark notes. “It’s a wonderful community, and we love supporting smaller local businesses too.”
Even during the pandemic, On the Mark thrived with loyal customers, curious visitors, and smart adaptations. When shoppers sought staples like meat, rice, beans, flour, yeast, milk, and eggs, Mark stocked premium versions. “They avoided big grocers,” he explains, “so we elevated these items to match our character—and it worked. We sell out of steaks and chicken weekly.”
Virtual wine tastings became a surprise hit, fostering social connections at home. “It’s more social than expected,” Mark smiles. “Everyone chats—they’re a lot of fun.” The energy buzzes daily as Mark and his team craft charcuterie boards, slice behind the deli case, or assist shoppers knowledgeably.
“It feels great when customers say, ‘This is awesome,’” he shares. “My staff knows every product inside out. We’re service-driven—something big grocers can’t match, and our customers love it.”
On the Mark Fine Food and Provisions
111 N. Palm Canyon Drive #155, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-832-8892
www.onthemarkpalmsprings.com
