April 17. By Dave Vieser. When word spread around town that the Farm Fresh Market on West Catawba would have to vacate the land they had been renting from Kunkleman heirs near Magnolia Estates Drive, Cornelius residents feared that the farm stand, a family favorite since 1991, would be gone forever.
However, this story has a happy ending. Owner Mark Plott is leasing a 37,000 square foot section of property just north of Cowboy Restaurant from Joe Douglas, who owns Cowboy and 131 MAIN on Hwy. 21 at Bailey Road.
The stand reopened early this month.
Plott is doing a brisk business, which is just north of the Huntersville/Cornelius border.
“We knew around Christmas time that we had to vacate the old location.” said Plott, 58, a native North Carolinian, “so we started searching for a new spot that would still be in town. This one on 21 really works well for us. The rent isn’t any more expensive than the Catawba Avenue site and it has ample parking.”
Fifth Third Bank is looking at the Kunkleman property to construct a building on the site. They have been to the Architectural Review Board; a site plan could be submitted for review in the coming months.
Plott’s new location allows more room for shoppers to move around. “Just by the layout, it’s much more shopper friendly,” he said.
What hasn’t changed is Plott’s penchant for all things fresh.
We spoke to Plott on a Wednesday afternoon in April as he was returning from hundreds of miles away, carrying another load of fresh produce and plants. Plott follows the season for fresh products, often getting fresh Queen Corn and oranges from Florida.
Three other markets
The Cornelius Farm Fresh Market is one of four markets operated by the Plott family. The others are in Kannapolis, Concord and on Prosperity Church Road in Charlotte.
Traditions which always attracts shoppers include pumpkins in early fall and Christmas trees starting in November.
Fortunately for Plott, the nature of their business has allowed them to function at full speed through the COVID-19 crisis.
“Our products were exempt from the restrictions and we have the added advantage of being an open air operation,” he said.
Farm Fresh Market
US 21 (Statesville Road) just north of Bailey Road
Enter via Washam Potts or Cowboy parking lot
Open 7 days a week
