This week, the Boynton Beach-based farm announced it will be hiring for all positions to staff a new Delray Beach retail market set to open in late February. According to Marie Bedner, operations manager for Bedner's Farm, the new 3,000-square-foot retail farmers' market wasn't planned but is the result of a growing customer demand for fresher produce closer to home.
"So many people were asking us to open a market further east, something that would be closer and more convenient for those living far from the farm," says Bedner. "The biggest demand was from Delray Beach residents, so when we saw an opportunity to expand into the right space, we jumped on it."
Established in 1960 by founder Arthur Bedner, today Bedner's Farm Fresh Market stands as one of South Florida's first family-owned and -operated farms. The Boynton Beach farm is popular for its locally grown produce, including pick-your-own seasonal crops like strawberries, peppers, and tomatoes.
The Delray Beach Bedner's Farm Fresh Market retail outlet is expected to open in late February and will be housed in new, bright-red stucco building located at 381 NE Third St. in the city's Pineapple Grove district. The Delray Beach store will be a slightly smaller version of the farm's main retail space located at 10066 Lee Road in Boynton Beach but will offer customers the same produce picked fresh — and delivered daily — from the family's 80-acre Boynton Beach farm.
Although much of the Delray Beach store's offerings will be sourced directly from Bedner's, customers will also be able to find a variety of locally grown and locally manufactured products, adds Marie, including herbs from
Patrons looking for a quick and easy lunch can head to the soup and salad bar or choose from prepackaged sandwiches and snacks, while those shopping for the home (or dinner) will also be able to peruse the new store's eclectic array of bottled wines and cheeses, a feature Marie says will be similar to the selection currently available at the Boynton Beach retail market.
According to Marie, the new retail location could be the first of many similar neighborhood markets.
"The Delray Beach market will sort of be our test," says Marie. "Our goal is to keep growing the Bedner's retails markets and to become a part of the local community across South Florida."
Bedner's Farm will host a hiring event for its Delray Beach retail store from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, at the Hyatt Place, located at 104 Second Ave., Delray Beach. The new retail market is slated to open Saturday, February 20, at 381 NE Third Ave., Delray Beach.
Bedner's Farm is located at 10066 Lee Road, Boynton Beach. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 561-733-4590, or visit bednders.com.
Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.
