Grand opening and ribbon cutting set for McKenna’s Farm Market
WEST LAFAYETTE – The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the newly opened McKenna’s Farm Market is set for Thursday, July 19, with festivities going on throughout the day. The Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce will hold their official ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. at the store. The day-long event will include free samples, specials and numerous local food vendors sharing their products and information. The public is invited to attend this free event.
“We ‘soft opened’ the Farm Market about a month ago and have already seen an incredibly positive response,” said Teri McKenna Misener. “We are really excited to have our official grand opening celebration for the community.”
McKenna’s Farm Market is located at 55716 County Road 93, West Lafayette (at the intersection of County Road 93 and US 36). The business is owned and operated by the McKenna family. Jerry and Jean McKenna and their two grown children – Teri and Bob. The family moved to Coshocton County from the Cleveland area in 1981. They spent several years commuting to West Lafayette on the weekends to run The Unusual Shoppe, an antique shop in an old barn located on the property they had purchased along US 36.
In 1978, they opened Unusual Junction, a deli housed in the restored railroad depot building that had been moved from Fredericktown, and reconstructed by Jerry on the property. Offerings over the years have grown from the deli items, to gifts, restaurant, and then bridal gowns which started in 1994 with just seven wedding gowns. In 1997, Universe Bridal was officially opened in its own building attached to The Unusual Junction.
Since then, several other new businesses have been opened by the family including Medbery Marketplace, the Roscoe General Store, Caldersburgh Trading Company (now Abigail Birch), and Roscoe Village Sweets and Treats – all in Historic Roscoe Village; and McKenna’s Market, Guernsey Kitchen, Abigail Birch, and Roscoe Farms Coffee House in Downtown Cambridge.
“Wow! What a ride!” said Teri McKenna Misener. “We have ventured out of our area and also right under our own feet with our business projects. We are so appreciative of the support of the community over the years. They have always been here for us.”
“We started out over 40 years ago with gourmet and imported foods in Coshocton County,” said Bob McKenna. “We offered our customers things like shark meat pâté, jerk seasoning, chutneys, Thai sweet chili sauce and the Green Rooster Hot Sauce (which is now Sriracha). We have always been and continue to strive to bring the latest global culinary trends to our local customers. I think we were the first to introduce paninis, fajita salads and wraps to Coshocton County years ago. That’s why we are convinced our new McKenna’s Farm Market will be a success. We innovate, create and invite customers to enjoy our creations.”
Misener says they were pleasantly surprised at the response to the new store. “We never expected the overwhelming support so quickly for this Farm Market,” she said. “We will work hard to not disappoint. We work seven days a week – but it’s not work – its just an adventure. We love what we do and could not do it without a great team of staff members and family. We are truly blessed and we know it.”
McKenna’s Farm Market offers all the deli items that were at the Unusual Junction deli, plus fresh made subs and salads, local farmers’ products, Amish baked goods, and fresh produce.
Bob McKenna says the family business will continue to grow and expand. “The third generation is now getting involved and we have plans already in the works to open stores in Newark and Marietta, Ohio,” he said. “We’ve also had so many customers ask about what’s happening at our home base – the Unusual Junction building. The Unusual Junction Diner and Country Store will remain in the building. Over the next few weeks the restaurant will undergo a transformation and move forward in the building to where the deli was. We are in desperate need of more room for our gift basket and food production facility, so that is what the space in the back of the current dining room area will be converted into.”
The Mckenna’s Farm Market is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is located at 55716 US 36, West Lafayette, OH 43845. For more information, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram or call 740-777-1001.
Category: Business
