POTTSVILLE, Pa. — From Honey Brook Farm in Schuylkill Haven to downtown Pottsville, two farmers from Schuylkill County announced plans earlier this year to bring farm-fresh food to the city with The Farm Store.
The grocery store would be the first in the city since 2020.
Owners Angela and Josiah Meck say they knew this was something Pottsville needed.
"Pottsville used to be a hub for a lot of farmer's markets and a lot of stores that are in downtown Pottsville or buildings that used to be small mom-and-pop stores for food. One grocery, another breads or meats, so it's exciting to bring that back," says Angela Meck.
Owners originally hoped to open the store in October but say they've encountered some unexpected bumps in the road.
"For instance, when we ordered our new refrigeration system for all the meats and produce, we were given a 4-week lead time, and it ended up being an 8-week lead time," Josiah Meck says.
Angela and Josiah Meck still want to ensure the community has everything they need for the holidays.
Other than selling from their farm on Dieberts Valley Road in Schuylkill Haven, they also opened a location at the Renninger's Farmers Market every Sunday.
Additionally, the Mecks are leading a series of pop-ups for The Farm Store, including one on Thursday in the parking lot of the store's downtown location. "Catered to the holiday season so we're going to have a lot of our meats, that are popular this time of year. We'll have our smoked sausage, ham, pork roast, bacon. Bacon's a favorite all year round," Angela says.
Not only will you be able to pick up food for the holiday feast, shoppers can also shop pottery ware and the farm store's very own line of coffee... made in partnership with a nearby coffee SHOP. "So, we've been moving forward and we want to be able to have our products to the public, and every decision we make is to be able to be open sooner and provide this outlet."
Owners hope to officially open The Farm Store in downtown Pottsville next month. To stay updated on the opening you can follow The Farm Store's facebook page here.