POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A grand opening Friday for a brand new locally stocked farm-to-table store.
"The Farm Store" in Pottsville is a big deal, because it's the first time in years that this Schuylkill County community has had it's own grocery store.
It's the first grocery store downtown since the Giant closed.
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For shoppers in Pottsville, this ribbon cutting meant more than just another place to buy groceries. It's been nearly five years since the last market in this area closed.
It's called the "Farm Store" and the owner believes it's a great opportunity to prove the farm-to-table system works. Groceries are fresher, healthier and more convenient.
Angela Meck says this grand opening was a long time coming.
"There's a lot that goes into opening a store. We had to learn everything from cash register, point-of-sale, all the way to inventory management, to human resources," explained Meck.
The Farm Store's mission is to provide high-quality locally grown and produced products to the community.
There is a whole host of choices like farm-raised meats and dairy. They even sell housewares and stoneware.
"The hard work of our farmers and their ability to provide us with the best of what Schuylkill County and beyond has to offer is something we should all celebrate and support," voiced Robert S. Carl Jr., President of Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.
The Farm Store was made possible by winning the "Ignite Schuylkill Adult Program", a $100,000 prize to get the business up and running.
They've been open since February, but the owner says it took a ton of effort to the store looking perfect.
"We spent a lot of time here. My husband he does all the woodworking, he made these windowsills, the countertops, everything that you see here that's wood," said Meck.
The farm store supports more than 30 regional farms.
It's open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
