SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - 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.
“It’s in our bones and something that we have always felt ready to do.” - Darcia Burnett
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,” shared 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 skilled chef.
He proudly added, “We make a lot of our products on location. We are the largest supplier of ketogenic products on the Island, and we make a lot of other products such as jams, jellies, bread, sausages, and we don’t use any filler in those products, so it’s all pure using local ingredients.”
Darcia pointed out with the recalls going on that this is a “wake-up call to shop locally.”
The couple that still runs the Shipyard Market, say 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 for the community, with food, music, and fun, but are yet to determine the date. They thank all the customers that have followed the store and welcome new ones through their doors.
The winter hours:
- Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sundays 12-noon to 5 p.m.
Closed on special holidays.
