A step into the Myakka Farm Market is like stepping back in time.
- Myakka City gets 1st grocery store in 5 years
- Levi Teuton opened Myakka Farm Market
- Market sales fresh produce, meats, and cheeses
Fresh produce, meats, and cheeses fill a converted warehouse space by the community's only stoplight.
"We threw it together and started out with just a little bit and are just growing it," said owner Levi Teuton.
However, in Myakka City, a farm town with a population of just over 6,000, it's what residents have been waiting for. The last time the community had a grocery store was nearly five years ago, which means residents have to make the trip to Bradenton for fresh produce.
"It was something to have to go all the way into town... it's 20 miles!" said a Myakka resident who goes by Ms. Bert.
"It's about a 30 to 45 minute trip to go get what you need," added resident Debbie Beasley.
This is the family's first dive into the grocery business, but Teuton said it's been going well so far. Much of the items inside are sourced from local farms and sold to them by local families.
"I was born and raised out here, my dad was born and raised out here. We're all locals from right here," Teuton added.
In a community that thrives on farming, customers say they're relieved that one of their own stepped up to the counter and is giving the food retail industry a try.
"I know all of us out here in Myakka are excited about it," Beasley said.
Myakka Farm Market is open Monday - Saturday from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.