Family takes over well-known Reedsville Stone House Market
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REEDSVILLE - If you have "A Passion for Local" products, the Stone House Market in Reedsville might be the place for you. Whether it's a classic baker's sub, a bundle of local produce or one of the fresh angus steaks located in the display case, you will be able to find it here.
The words "A Passion for Local" also appear on the front window of the market.
When Lucas and Kimberly Parkes received word from Marvina Kratzer-Shilling, owner of Toot's Place in Reedsville, that she was ready to retire; the Parkes knew it was a wonderful opportunity.
They had been dreaming of ways to bring their local farm products to market and recognized that this little shop, located in the heart of downtown Reedsville, was a perfect fit.
Marvina, or "Toots" as she's known to her customers, operated her deli store for 26 years, developing a loyal following and dedicated staff.
"Our plan is to keep the same menu and eventually add some new items over time," Kimberly said. "We want to make sure the customers have the same great service they have come to expect and slowly start putting our touches on things. We were fortunate that the staff wanted to continue working, and they have helped to maintain the friendly atmosphere when you walk through the doors."
Lucas and Kimberly live in Reedsville with their five children, ranging in ages from 9 to 17.
"Right now, they're in school and playing softball or baseball," Lucas explained.
"They come down in the evening to stock shelves, help clean, tag items for sale, learn how to make sandwiches and raid the ice cream freezer from time to time," he added.
Lucas grew up in Mifflin County on the family dairy farm. The farm has since transitioned over to a full beef operation and the store provides a wonderful opportunity to bring their fresh local angus beef to the public - without relying on the sale barn. "This seemed like the perfect fit," Lucas said.
Lucas's passion for providing great tasting beef, and Kimberly's passion for baking are what drive this couple to keep improving and dreaming bigger every day. One of the first additions to the market was the fresh local angus meat straight from their farm.
"Stone House Market is now offering fresh steaks, roasts, ground beef and even brisket," he added.
One of Kimberly's long-term goals is to add a small bakery, so she can offer sourdough bread, fresh pies and her famous homemade chocolate chip cookies. They also plan to start offering other locally sourced products including in-season produce and fruits, other fresh meats and regional provisions.
As new business owners, they realize that everything takes time. The hardest part of taking over the business might have been deciding on a new name for it.
"When you're starting, a name can be anything - a family name, the location or town or something to do with baking or a cut of meat," Lucas said. They developed a moniker that tied the store back to the farm - once owned by Colonel Taylor from the Civil War - where the meat products originated. The farm has a limestone farmhouse built in the early 1800s, which served as the inspiration for the name.
The market offers additional services, including serving as a dry-cleaning drop-off location, lottery and convenience items, a large craft section, and fishing bait and supplies.
Lucas and Kimberly began operating the store in February and are excited to announce that they will be having a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, as part of the Reedsville Community Association's Third Friday event.
Stone House Market is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
The phone number is (717) 667-2286. For more information, find them on Facebook.