EVERETT — Once a week in the heart of downtown, a quirky mushroom boutique named YouMushroom gives out free gourmet mushrooms to dozens of community members. The pints typically contain two or three types of gourmet mushrooms, allowing customers to sample less-common varieties for their unique flavors and added nutrition.
Owner Jason Hammond, 34, says he wants to share the benefits of high-quality, fresh ingredients with his neighbors.
“The mushroom universe has infinite possibilities and so much untapped potential,” Hammond says he hopes that introducing people to lesser-seen fungi can connect people with the right mushroom for them. His self-published “Mush Magazine” shares recipes, tips for cooking and information about different species.
He was inspired to learn more about mushrooms when he heard about the potential benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms while caring for his mother with dementia. He took the endeavor seriously, spending the last five years researching grow techniques and vending at markets, including the Everett Farmer’s Market.
YouMushroom’s physical storefront quietly opened its doors on Rucker Avenue in September 2025. By October, freebie Wednesdays began with the aim of improving access to healthier foods. As of August 2026, they feed between 40-50 residents in need per week.
Hammond says he aims to connect people with each other and their food. Part of that is offering grow kits, which can produce edible mushrooms in just a few weeks. They don’t require the same light needs as plants and have smaller physical footprints, making them highly efficient and more accessible to those in tighter living situations, like apartments.
Hammond’s ultimate goal for YouMushroom is to convert some space into an “immersive mushroom café” where customers can dine on mushroom-based drinks and treats in view of the growing area. It’s not just about the mushrooms; Hammond says community is the centerpiece for what YouMushroom offers.
They host board game nights on Monday and teatime mushroom chats on Tuesday. Local bands, like Matt Lincoln’s Florida Man, occasionally play at YouMushroom while artists host their paintings, sculptures and handicrafts for sale or viewing inside the boutique.
YouMushroom is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Their hours are as follows:
Monday: 2 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Tuesday: 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Thursday: 12 p.m.- 4p.m.
Sunday: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
They are located at 2927 Rucker Ave. in Everett. They prefer visitors wishing to participate in free mushroom Wednesdays confirm their participation on their Facebook event page here to ensure there is enough for everyone.
