SHAMOKIN -- People browsed the selection of produce at Farmer Bill's Market on West Spruce Street in Shamokin. The business opened about a month ago and Bill Stewart, a local farmer, supplies fresh produce every day.
"Every day is different. He brings things in and we just distribute. Prices are reasonable. Very cheap, I should say," Betty Chapman said.
Recently, three restaurants closed in Shamokin. Farmer Bill's Produce takes the place of one of those businesses. Shoppers say having inexpensive produce close by is convenient.
"Instead of going all the way out to Pottsville, there's another one out there, but this is closer for us," Ron Tanney said.
If you have a sweet tooth, the other new business here in Shamokin is the place for you. It's called A Piece of Cake.
"We want to bring something different," Jill Smith said.
A Piece of Cake sells cakes and other baked goods. The owner said her mother-in-law has baked cakes for a long time and six weeks ago the family was finally able to open up their own store.
"She finally said we'll do it and we did. As a team we did it," Smith said.
The two new businesses are even working together to help each other out.
"He was able to supply us with something that we're going to need on demand. It's good to find somebody local to work with," Smith said.
Customers tell Newswatch 16 after so many businesses closing in Shamokin, it's nice to see some open.
"When you see a small business like this, a family owned business, it's really great. I know I try to support it and I would hope everybody else it in the town would try to support it also," Fawn Searals said.
The mayor tells Newswatch 16 some more businesses may also soon open in Shamokin.