Staff Writer
EASTON – Customers are important to any business, but in a small community they’re more like family. And that’s how Country Farms Market wants all its customers to feel – like family.
Formerly Mike’s, the store reopened March 1 with new owners Mark and Haley Kelley, whose goal is to make the business an integral part of the community.
“We were looking for our own business. When the opportunity came along to buy the grocery store, we took it,” said Mark Kelley. “We decided we had to get our start somewhere and where better than an established business.”
The couple is no stranger to the world of retail grocery sales.
“We both got our start in a grocery store – Star City IGA in Presque Isle. We worked there through high school and while attending college,” said Mark. “We enjoy the work. We’re willing to work hard and enjoy working with people.”
From meat and produce to dairy goods, cereals to snacks, pet food and cleaning products to magazines and greeting cards, Country Farms Market has all the necessities, whether you’re buying groceries for a family of four for a week or planning a barbecue for 100.
“Really our push for the store is our meat department, under the management of Gene Pelkey. We have a lot of specialty cuts,” said Mark.
We take special orders, whether it’s a barbecue you’re planning, a birthday party or class reunion,” said Haley Kelley.
Mark said he and his staff are ready to do whatever it takes to satisfy customers.
“We have 10-12 employees prepared to answer questions, help customers find what they’re looking for and take orders,” said Mark. “We plan to have special events from time to time, including truckload meat sales.”
“We want to draw customers to check out our specialty meat products, including our mouthwatering steaks,” said Haley.
The meat department isn’t the only specialty department.
“We have a full-service bakery and deli. We make pizzas, sandwiches and cheeseburger baskets, as well as daily lunch specials,” said Haley.
“And we offer delivery service locally,” said Mark.
Country Farms Market accepts phone orders as well.
“Customers can place orders by phone, whether they want to come in to pick up or have their ordered delivered,” said Mark. “We try to go the extra mile to satisfy customer needs. We handle special orders and special deliveries.”
The Kelleys, who live in Mapleton, share duties at their new venture.
“We both hold degrees in business from Husson. Mark’s also a graduate of NMCC. Mark’s here every day. I work full-time at Naturally Potatoes in Mars Hill and also work part-time at the store,” said Haley.
Haley said feedback has been positive.
“Comments have been really good. We’ve done a few different things and will continue to try new things,” Haley said.
“We want to make it more personal. We’ve gotten to know many folks in the community and will do whatever we can to make this a place families come to shop,” said Mark.
“We offer a nice, clean atmosphere with quality products,” said Haley.
“We take pride in our customer service and offer products at a reasonable price,” added Mark.
Country Farms Market is located at 84 Center Rd. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information or to place an order, call 488-9050 or fax 488-2740.
“Customers can fax or call orders in. We’ll get them ready for pickup or delivery. There’s no charge for local deliveries,” said Mark. “We take pre-orders for special occasions. We took several for Mother’s Day.”
This week marks the store’s official grand opening celebration, with a number of activities planned throughout the week.
“We’ll have a hotdog roast on Saturday. We have 10 $50 gift certificates, hats, T-shirts and other prizes to give away,” said Haley.
The couple says the opening of the Easton market is just the beginning.
“We’d like to grow down the road, perhaps open other Country Farms stores in the county in the future,” said Mark. “County people deserve quality service and products at affordable prices.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
HALEY AND MARK KELLEY are the new owners of Easton’s grocery store, now named Country Farms Market. The store features a wide selection of grocery and household items, as well as having a meat department featuring specialty cuts.
