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Vol. LXIII, No. 29
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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Vol. LXIII, No. 29
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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 UNIQUE MARKET: “This is a very good location. We have lots of regular customers. Some even come every day.” Roseann Beiler of the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market likes to help out at Mom’s Candy Corner, one of the popular stands in the market. |
The Pennsylvania Dutch Farm Market, located in the Kingston Mall, 4437 Route 27, continues to thrive, even in this difficult economy.
High-quality products, polite personal service, and the unique Amish tradition are some of the reasons, believes Abe King, who is in charge of King’s Salads & Jellies stand.
“This is a co-op,” he explains. “We rent the space as a group. Different people handle different areas, such as advertising, electric bills, rent, etc. It’s a shared operation. All the stand-holders are involved.”
The vendors and the staff arrive from Lancaster County, Pa. every Thursday, and the market is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Because the Amish do not drive, they travel in leased cars, driven by others.
Helping Out
“The Amish don’t drive cars or tractors,” says Mr. King. “We use horses for plowing. We have to unhitch the horses to let them eat. Then, we have time with the family all together for lunch and dinner. It’s important to keep the family together.
“Also, the Amish keep the tradition of working together and helping each other out — helping out our neighbors. If someone’s business is struggling, we will help. That is why Lancaster County is one of the most thriving counties.”
The Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market has been thriving for the past 15 years. Princeton customers, as well as those from the area, New Brunswick, New York, and beyond, often come each week.
A spacious setting, convenient arrangement, an extensive selection, and ample parking provide customers with a very pleasant shopping experience. They also know they can expect courteous, helpful service from the Amish staff.
Wonderful Variety
Ten separate departments and vendors offer a wonderful variety of meat, poultry, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, salads, relishes, jams, jellies, and spreads, baked goods, candy, and a crafts and gift shop. The Stoltzfus Luncheonette, where customers can enjoy a sit-down breakfast or lunch, is also very popular, as is the deli with a delicious assortment of smoked meats.
Most of the food comes from Lancaster County, and is raised or grown naturally. In addition, the baked goods, including pies, cakes, cookies, breads, sticky buns, doughnuts, etc., are largely prepared on the premises. At least half of the salads are prepared in the market also.
“The meats are all natural, no hormones or steroids, and the chickens are raised locally in Pennfield Farm,” notes Mr. King. “The meat and cheese are very popular, and everything is delivered in a refrigerated truck, and is inspected by the FDA. Everything is top quality.”
The Stoltzfus Luncheonette attracts many customers for breakfast and lunch, he adds. Cheese steak is a favorite, as are the barbecued pork, variety of sandwiches, and the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch hot soft pretzels. French toast and pancakes (topped with strawberries and cream), and cheese omelets are breakfast favorites. The luncheonette is also known for its pig roast the last Saturday of each month.
Top-Notch
A regular customer from Rocky Hill comes back again and again for the high quality products and top-notch service. “All the food is very good,” he says. “The vegetables, meat, poultry, and all the desserts are great. Everything is the best quality, and the service is excellent.”
Another Rocky Hill resident loves the market’s pepper jelly, pickles, honey, chutney, and spreads and jam. “They’re just the best around,” she points out.
Customers also enjoy browsing in the B & L Woodworking craft shop. There, they will find an appealing assortment of many hand-done or hand-decorated gifts.
Wood furniture, including dining room tables, chests, etc., are big sellers. They also make outdoor furniture and storage sheds, which sell well. The Hand-crafted gifts and quilts are other popular items.
Mr. King sees a promising future for the market. “We keep our regular customers, and we also get new ones every week. We really get busier and busier. We have a wide price range, which people like, and they know they can count on the quality.
“I enjoy meeting the customers and watching all the happy people. Everyone seems to be having a good time here.”
The Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market is open Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 4, Friday 9 to 7, and Saturday 9 to 4. (609) 683-5260. Website: www.amishmarketnj.com.