Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Michelle Pyrtle of Downtown Main Street Hampton

We recently had the chance to connect with Michelle Pyrtle and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, my greatest joy comes from my children and grandchildren. I have one daughter who’s at the top of her class at the University of Georgia, and another who is currently working her way through real estate school. I also helped raise my niece, who is one of the strongest women i know., as well as my nephew who has built himself a career. Watching all four of them find their own paths and succeed in their own ways has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

Although I don’t get to see my grandkids as often as I’d like, they hold a very special place in my heart. They truly are the light of my life and bring a kind of joy that’s hard to put into words. Whether it’s a quick visit, a phone call, or just seeing a photo, they always manage to brighten my day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
At Rutabaga’s Market & Cafe, we believe that the art of cooking and stunning presentation are at the heart of every dish we create. This passion extends beyond our cafe into our catering company, The Grazing Table Charcuterie and More, where we bring people together with beautiful, flavorful spreads and personalized catering experiences.

Our journey began with a love of food and a desire to share that joy with others, leading us to create LeAnn’s Gourmet Foods—our signature wholesale line. Inspired by an old family recipe, LeAnn’s Gourmet Zucchini Relish quickly became a customer favorite. This sweet blend of zucchini, onions, peppers, and spices is all-natural, gluten-free, and made with only the freshest ingredients. It’s the perfect way to elevate any dish or enjoy straight from the jar!

But that’s just the start! At LeAnn’s, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a variety of gourmet products, from savory dips like our Wine Spreads and Olive Oil Blends, to our flavorful Gourmet Rubs that make chicken, steak, pork, and fish shine. Our selection of jams, jellies, butters, dressings, sauces, and pickled products is designed to enhance every meal and bring the vibrant, authentic flavors of Southern cooking into your home.

Our catering company, The Grazing Table Charcuterie and More, is where we take that same love for flavor and presentation and bring it to your special events. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a dinner party, or a corporate event, we specialize in creating beautiful charcuterie boards and grazing tables that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Every spread is crafted with love, featuring a curated selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that guests will rave about.

We invite you to visit us, taste our products, and get inspired for your next event or meal. At Rutabaga’s Market & Cafe, we’re always excited to share our passion for Southern flavors and culinary creativity with you.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The two people who taught me the most about work are my mom and my best friend. My mom led by example—she worked hard every day, no matter the circumstances, and always made sure our family had what we needed. Her work ethic was steady, humble, and tireless. She showed me that doing your best isn’t about recognition or titles—it’s about responsibility, consistency, and pride in what you do. Watching her juggle so much with such grace gave me a deep respect for hard work and resilience.

My best friend, on the other hand, taught me about balance and passion in the workplace. She reminded me that while it’s important to work hard, it’s just as important to find joy in what you do and to never lose yourself in the process. Through her, I learned how to navigate challenges with humor, to take pride in small wins, and to always keep growing. Together, their influence shaped the way I approach my work—with dedication, heart, and a healthy perspective.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Always take time for yourself, even if you are married and have kids, remember to take time for YOU, don’t lose yourself in your relationships and work. Saying no is OK! Don’t compare yourself to others, your journey is your journey. Treat others as you want to be treated. “Your worth isn’t defined by how much you do for others—protect your peace, honor your own path, and never apologize for needing space to grow.”

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
“I am deeply committed to empowering young girls through my work with a youth organization. This is more than just a project—it’s a lifelong mission. I believe in helping our youth, especially those who are less fortunate, and creating safe, supportive spaces where they can grow, dream, and thrive. If I can save even one child, or make a lasting difference in a teenager’s life, then I can proudly say: job well done. That’s the impact I’m here for, no matter how long it takes.”

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people remember me as someone who gave everything I had to whatever I was doing—whether it was my work, my passions, or the people around me. I want to be known as someone who showed up fully, who cared deeply, and who never held back when it came to making a difference, especially in the lives of young people. Whether it was through my involvement with youth programs or simply being present when someone needed support, I hope my actions spoke louder than words and left a lasting impact.

More than anything, I hope people say I loved with my whole heart. That I cherished my family and friends, and made sure they knew how much they meant to me. That I was generous—not just with things, but with my time, my energy, and my spirit. If the people I leave behind can feel that they were seen, loved, and supported by me, then I’ll know I lived a life worth remembering.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rutabagashampton.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rutabagasmarketcafe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rutabagasmarketcafe
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rutabagas-market-and-cafe-hampton
• Other: https://www.thegrazingtableandmore.com/