DOTSON’S COUNTRY Market, once housed on Hillsboro Boulevard in Manchester, now has a new place to call home. The market is currently located at 1306 Hillsboro Blvd., a few buildings away from its previous location at 738 Hillsboro Blvd.
Owners Eddie and Kathy Stamey leased the previous building, which will be torn down and used as an office building.
The Stamey’s granddaughter, Kisha Thayers, works at the market along with Alyssa Kendrick and Thayers’ daughter, Alanta May.
Kathy’s parents, James and Edna Dotson, opened Dotson’s Country Market in Sale Creek, TN, in the ‘50s, and it has lasted for five generations.
There’s nothing like eating a meal with home-grown, locally sourced ingredients. You can’t beat the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the city where you live and feel safe. Dotson’s Country Market is family-owned and locally sourced, bringing many community members together to enjoy all the tasty ingredients the market offers.
Some of the most rewarding parts of shopping at local businesses are the personalized shopping experience, the jobs that arise from local businesses, and, in this case, the garden-fresh, natural products from locally owned farms and markets.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers markets have grown increasingly important for the U.S. economy, food systems, and communities. They are connecting pieces that bridge gaps between rural and urban communities, farmers and consumers, and fresh ingredients and the human body that craves them.
Farmers markets allow small farmers and businesses to sell their products to meet the growing demand for locally grown food. Marketing directly to the consumer gives farmers income opportunities without the additional costs of shipping, storage, and other business processes.
When you walk into Dotson’s Country Market, you feel a sense of freshness that you wouldn’t otherwise feel at a regular grocery store.
Thayers said, “I always carry fresh vegetables and produce all year round. And then we have Amish products.”
Amish pickled baby beets, sourced in Ohio, and Tennessee mountain honey are some of the market’s best-sellers, along with their fresh, juicy tomatoes.
Not only does the market offer fresh products, but it also promotes a friendly environment for all people. Customers can expect a family atmosphere when they walk through the door.
“We’re all family here. We love all of our customers, and we try to make it a good experience when you walk in.”
The market has live Christmas trees during the holiday season and various plants in the spring and fall.
One of many ways the family gives back is by sending products like pumpkins to local schools and families for fall festivals, and many schools in the area purchase fresh produce at the market throughout the year.
Thayers said the community could continue supporting the market by visiting them in-store and interacting with them online.
“Just come support us, and… you know — social media — we’re on Facebook, you know — share our posts and stuff like that.”
Thayers would like the community of Manchester to know that they are loved. She said, “We love Manchester. Manchester has been really good to us. We just love all our customers here.” GN
