New business offering fresh produce

Red Roof Farm StandLocal residents looking for some fresh produce this summer need only look for the red roof south of the village on the northbound side of Route 4.

The Red Roof Farm Stand, located at 9338 Route 4, is the community’s newest business and was opened by Brenda Mahar earlier this month.

The business will offer a variety of locally grown and produced items from fruits and vegetables to maple syrup, flower baskets, baked goods, Battenkill Valley Creamery milk and handmade soaps.

Mahar says the decision to open the business was a convergence of her interest in gardening and opportunity.

“The property became available and I’ve always enjoyed gardening. And with only one choice in town to purchase vegetables and fruits we wanted to give people a choice. The location is perfect for a business to get growing,” she said.

But opening the farm stand involved a lot more than planting a few seeds and purchasing inventory.

The farm stand sits on the site of a former bait shop and required an extensive renovation.

“My son, Bruce Gordon Jr., remodeled the building from top to bottom. There was a lot of work that went into the building,” Mahar said.

The original structure had to be jacked up and leveled off and only then could Gordon begin remodeling the building. The end result is almost unrecognizable.

The new structure features a very visible red roof (thus the business’s name) and is adorned with colorful hanging flower baskets.

Mahar said her three grandchildren will be involved in working the store and she credited Art Liaicona for helping her develop a business plan.

“He’s been quite the asset,” she said. “We’re just trying to get through our first year and we would like to continue to grow and accommodate our customers.”

The business is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (extended hours are possible in the future).