Community Hero: Debbie & Mark Hohenshell and 20 Years of Marsala’s Market

By: Ella Holt & Brett O’Daniell

In New Town, a handful of places transcend their role as businesses to become part of the community’s daily rhythm. For over twenty years, Marsala’s Market has been one such place. Owned and operated by Debbie and Mark Hohenshell, the market has served as a gathering point, a convenience, and a constant in a neighborhood that has grown and evolved around it. As Marsala’s Market celebrates 20 years this April, its story remains deeply intertwined with the story of New Town itself.

From Kiosk to Cornerstone

Before Marsala’s Market opened its doors, Debbie and Mark ran a small convenience store on Historic Main Street in St. Charles called “Main Street News.” A photo of that original shop still hangs inside Marsala’s today—a quiet reminder of their beginnings. It was there that Greg Whittaker, founder of New Town, approached the Hohenshells to open a similar store in his new development.

“So, we started in a little kiosk across the street from where we are today,” Debbie shared, recalling the early days serving construction crews and visitors. In April 2006, they officially opened Marsala’s Market—quietly at first. “We just kind of opened the doors one day,” Mark remembered. What began as a small neighborhood market quickly became something more, growing alongside the community it was built to serve.

Built Around Community

From the start, Marsala’s Market was never meant to compete with big box stores—it was designed to complement the way New Town residents live. “We try to be a convenience for the community,” Debbie explained. “We've always tried to accommodate the neighborhood with enough products to satisfy everyone, because we're not your typical grocery store.”

This philosophy is evident in everything they do—from extended hours during amphitheater events to stocking shelves based on customer requests. “Customers would tell me… if you carry this, I’ll be in here every week,” Mark said, highlighting how their inventory has been shaped by residents’ needs. Their approach is simple: listen, adapt, and show up—building trust over time.

More Than a Store

For Debbie and Mark, Marsala’s is more than a business—it’s part of their everyday life. Living above the store, they became New Town’s original live-work residents, witnessing the community’s growth firsthand. “We work here, we live here, and we’ve watched this community grow,” Mark said. Over the years, they’ve seen New Town become a uniquely connected place where neighbors know each other and families gather. “Don’t move to New Town if you don’t want to know your neighbor,” Debbie joked.

Growing Through the Highs and Lows

Like any small business, their journey has included challenges. The 2008 housing crisis hit just as they were getting established, forcing them into “survival mode.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, they were surprised by how many community members relied on the store, preferring its safety and familiarity over crowded alternatives. “Demand surged—but so did the difficulty of sourcing products and keeping shelves stocked,” Mark said. Through it all, they remained committed, adapting and continuing to serve the community.

A True Community Effort

Debbie and Mark emphasize that Marsala’s success has always been a team effort. From their two sons and family to current management and staff, many have contributed. “We’re just grateful,” Debbie said. They credit the support of Whittaker Homes, the General Assembly, Greg Whittaker, and countless residents who have helped stock shelves, spread the word, and show up over the years. Whether adding a postal center or staying open late for events, their decisions are always rooted in one question: What does the community need?

20 Years Later

Today, Marsala’s Market stands as a testament to consistency and community spirit. Debbie and Mark still focus on the same principles they started with: quality products, friendly service, and a commitment to knowing their customers by name. Their story is a reminder that strong communities are built not just by design, but by the people who invest in them every day.

About Debbie & Mark

Debbie and Mark Hohenshell are the owners of Marsala’s Market, which opened in New Town on April 6, 2006. The market is named after Debbie’s great-grandfather, Frank Marsala. Coincidentally, Mark’s grandfather and their very first customer also shared the name Frank. Debbie and Mark have served the community they live in since its inception and continue to play a vital role in the everyday life of New Town.