Know Your Food
Know Your Food
New Farm-to-Table Shop NOW Open in Great Valley
Photos / Evan Evans, ellicottvilleNOW
We’ve all heard the expression “farm to table” for years now, typically when viewing fancy restaurant menus. But what if I told you there was a place you could shop that was direct from local farmers to your own table? Would you be surprised if I also said it was on the main stretch of 219 in Great Valley heading into Salamanca? Well don’t be, because The Reserve Farm-Shop is open now!
What is The Reserve? They are a shop that provides organic, pasture-raised, grass-fed/grass-finished and local products, direct from their sources. They believe that when you “know your farmer, know your food.”
ellicottvilleNOW had a chance to speak with owners of the husband and wife owned operation, about how they got started and what products they are offering to the community. They are fabulous people, so you’ll have to stop into the shop and visit to get to know them better!
The wife explained, “The Reserve has been a dream since I was a kid. I actually tried starting it 9 years ago in Ellicottville, but was too young and didn't have enough business experience to pull the trigger. It would not have happened without the support of friends and family.”
What does The Reserve offer the community? “We offer REAL food. I have strong opinions towards our modern food industry, and have always wanted to offer food and education that would help bring consumers closer to agriculture. At The Reserve you can find organic produce, grass-fed/grass-finished meats, cream-line milk, raw cheese, pantry items without preservatives, organic desserts and a greenhouse full of flowers.”
And they aren’t playing around with their selections. They’ve got fresh in-season apples, potatoes, peppers, European pastries, handcrafted chocolates (including homemade caramels), fresh bread baked daily and more. There really is something to please every palate, including the youngest members of the family. Plus, you can come in to shop and also enjoy something delicious from their on-site cafe. (That’s right, a cafe!)
What does the cafe have available? “Our in house cafe will be offering innovative smoothies that are designed to help with satiation and providing an aid to a healthy gut flora. We have the Serene Green, Strawberry Glaze and Cacao Butter currently. You can also find 12-inch artisan pizzas, nitro lattes, cold brew coffee, oat milk lattes, and crafted kombuchas on tap. If you are a tea person, we also carry Dragon Girl Tea, organic blends created by a small team out of Buffalo, NY.”
You can get your selections to go or take a relaxing break in their comfy seating area before you get back to stuffing your bags with all the great artisan goods they have. Which isn’t just limited to food, by the way. They also offer a variety of home goods and gifts, like hand-poured candles and amazing skincare products done by Beauty Organix out of East Aurora. There is also a lovely mix of fresh grown flowers out in their greenhouse for the garden lovers amongst us. The Reserve really is a haven for those searching out high-quality and unique items.
Officially The Reserve opened on May 5th and they’re already well on their way to becoming a staple. “The community has truly supported this business venture which has been incredible to witness thus far. The Reserve was created as a franchise business model. We will be opening a second location in May 2025. Our plan is to spread awareness while providing a sanctuary-like atmosphere in smaller towns across WNY.”
That’s a fantastic goal right there and I’d say we’re pretty lucky to be the site of their flagship location. You should stop in and pay them a visit and treat yourself to something a little more special than your typical groceries. They are open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm and open Saturday & Sunday from 9:00am-3:00pm. Closed on Mondays. Visit their Facebook page, their website thereservemarket.com or call 716-265-2009.
