Detwiler’s Farm Market, a beloved grocery chain in Sarasota, is set to reopen its doors one year after sustaining severe damage from Hurricane Ian. For residents in Sarasota and Manatee counties, this family-owned market is a staple in the community, offering fresh produce, meat, and a variety of local products. Despite the extensive damage that left the store in disarray, owner Henry Detwiler Sr. was determined to rebuild. With the flagship store transformed, employees have spent their time stocking the shelves and preparing for the grand reopening. The store will continue to offer its wide selection of products, with some new additions and a different layout. As a special treat, customers can indulge in freshly made donuts and free hot dogs during the opening weekend. Don’t miss the chance to visit this cherished market when it reopens on Friday at 8 a.m.
Overview
In this article, we will be discussing the reopening of Detwiler’s Farm Market in Sarasota, one year after it suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Ian. Detwiler’s Farm Market is a beloved family-owned grocery chain in the area, with five stores spread across Sarasota and Manatee counties. The flagship store on Palmer Boulevard had to be shut down due to the damage caused by the hurricane, but after a year of rebuilding efforts, it is now ready to welcome back customers. We will explore the extent of the damage, the process of rebuilding, preparations for the reopening, and some special events that will be taking place.
Background
Introduction to Detwiler’s Farm Market
Detwiler’s Farm Market is a popular family-owned grocery chain in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Known for its fresh produce, meat, and local suppliers, it has become a go-to destination for many residents in the area. The market has five stores, with the flagship store located on Palmer Boulevard.
Number of stores in the area
Detwiler’s Farm Market has a total of five stores spread across Sarasota and Manatee counties. These stores serve as convenient locations for residents in the area to access fresh produce, dairy, meat, and seafood.
Customer testimonial
Mike Stumpe, a loyal customer of Detwiler’s Farm Market for the past five years, shared his positive experience with shopping at the market. He particularly values the freshness of the products and the support for local suppliers. His testimonial highlights the market’s reputation for quality and community connection.
Damage caused by Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to Detwiler’s Farm Market on Palmer Boulevard. Photos shared with 8 On Your Side show the aftermath of the storm, with the roof peeling off and extensive water damage inside the store. The impact of the hurricane forced the closure of the flagship store for a year.
Extent of Damage
Description of damage
The damage caused by Hurricane Ian was extensive. The wind peeled off the roof of the Palmer Boulevard store, resulting in water seeping into the building. The interior of the store suffered considerable damage. The severity of the damage made the rebuilding process challenging and time-consuming.
Photos of the damage
Photographs shared with 8 On Your Side depict the devastation caused by the hurricane. The images display the collapsed roof and the waterlogged interior, emphasizing the extent of the damage that Detwiler’s Farm Market had to overcome.
Rebuilding Efforts
The only store to not lose power
Out of all the Detwiler’s Farm Market locations, the Palmer Boulevard store was the only one that did not lose power during Hurricane Ian. Despite the extensive damage, the fact that the store retained electricity was seen as a small miracle. This fortunate circumstance provided hope and motivation for the rebuilding efforts.
Decision to rebuild
Henry Detwiler Sr., the owner of Detwiler’s Farm Market, made the decision to rebuild the flagship store after assessing the damage caused by the hurricane. Despite the challenges ahead, Detwiler was determined to restore the market and continue serving the community.
Transformation of the flagship store
After a year of hard work and dedication, the flagship store has undergone a transformative process. The employees of Detwiler’s Farm Market spent countless hours working towards stocking up the shelves and preparing for the reopening date. The store’s layout has also been altered, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience for returning customers.
Preparations for Reopening
Stocking up shelves
In anticipation of the reopening, the employees of Detwiler’s Farm Market have been busy stocking up the shelves with fresh produce, dairy, meat, and seafood. They have worked diligently to ensure that customers will find their favorite products readily available upon the store’s reopening.
Reopening date and time
The flagship store of Detwiler’s Farm Market will officially reopen on Friday at 8 a.m. This date marks the end of a long and challenging journey to rebuild and restore the market after the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. The community is eager to once again support this beloved local grocery chain.
New additions and changes
While Detwiler’s Farm Market will continue to offer the same high-quality products, customers can also anticipate some new additions upon the store’s reopening. The market’s layout has also been revamped, providing a fresh and updated shopping experience. As Henry Detwiler Sr. jokingly mentioned, there will even be a donut-making activity and free hotdogs on certain days as a special treat for customers.
Special Events
Donut making activity
To celebrate the reopening, Detwiler’s Farm Market will be hosting a donut-making activity. Customers, along with Henry Detwiler Sr., his wife, and some of his daughters, will have the opportunity to participate in making delicious donuts. This event aims to bring joy and excitement to both new and returning customers.
Free hotdogs
As another special event during the reopening period, Detwiler’s Farm Market will be offering free hotdogs on a specified day. This gesture serves as a token of gratitude to the community for their support and patience during the rebuilding process. Henry Detwiler Sr. humorously requests that customers not all arrive at once, as the store’s size is limited.
Limitations due to store size
While Detwiler’s Farm Market is excited to reopen its flagship store, it’s important to note the limitations imposed by the store’s size. As a smaller location, there may be a restriction on the number of customers allowed inside at a given time. The market appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the community during the reopening period.
Reopening Announcement
The long-awaited reopening of Detwiler’s Farm Market on Palmer Boulevard has been officially announced. After a year of rebuilding efforts and overcoming the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the store will open its doors once again on Friday at 8 a.m. The market is excited to welcome back its loyal customers and provide them with a refreshed and enhanced shopping experience.
Conclusion
The reopening of Detwiler’s Farm Market on Palmer Boulevard is a significant milestone for the community in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Despite the challenges faced after Hurricane Ian, the market’s determination and the support of loyal customers have made this reopening possible. As the flagship store transforms and reopens its doors, everyone is invited to experience the joy of fresh produce, dairy, meat, and seafood once again at Detwiler’s Farm Market.