Fruits of their labour
Summerside couple follows grandfathers’ footsteps and acquires market for local farmers
A Summerside couple has turned over a new leaf and gone back to their grandfathers’ roots with the recent acquisition of a market for local farmers.
“Mike and Julie (Taylor) the previous owners approached us to see if we would like to acquire this business, Farmed Market and Craft Butchery, in May last year,” explained Darcia Burnett, who started a business at the Shipyard Market on Water Street with her husband Jordon in February 2011. “They planned to move to Ontario and expand their Bony Broth company,” she continued. “We thought about their offer and decided it was the right fit because Jordon’s grandparents owned and operated Strachan grocery store in Dawson City, and my grandfather was a butcher in Edmonton, Alberta.”
It’s been a dream come true for the couple.
Although, it’s not the first time they have taken a leap of faith – buying their home on P.E.I. while on vacation and seeing potential where others had turned a blind eye.
“The reason why we have been so successful is that we came to the Island with an open mind and heart, and we’ve tried to be very creative with everything that we do. We look for areas of opportunity, make relationships with people, and stay true to our word,” said Darcia.
In July 2018, they opened the doors to Farmed Market and Craft Butchery located on 591 Read Drive.
“July through to September was about getting our feet under ourselves, but we are now full on and ready to work on this business and bring it to a level that all the community can enjoy.” Items sold such as chicken, beef, and pork come from local farmers, along with vegetables, dairy, and bread.
“Some items I buy from suppliers throughout Canada, but we try to get all organic and all safe ingredients, so when customers walk in this store they can feel confident that what they are putting in their cupboards and fridges is safe, local, and healthy,” noted Jordon, a chef.
He proudly added, “We make a lot of our products on location.”
Darcia pointed out with the recalls going on that this is a “wakeup call to shop locally.”
The couple that still runs the Shipyard Market, said if it wasn’t for the tremendous support from friends, family, and staff around them it would not be possible. The couple plan on hosting a grand opening with food, music, and fun, but are yet to determine the date.