Blackie’s Farm Fresh Produce at 966 Minot Ave. in Auburn will add more retail space and expand its product line this summer. Christopher Wheelock/Sun Journal
AUBURN — Look for a bigger Blackie’s Farm Fresh Produce stand in the coming months, as owner Matt Manson puts his expansion plans into action.
For retail customers it means more choices and more space. For wholesale customers it means better workflow and additional storage space, which will also come in handy as Blackie’s produce starts to come in during the summer from its 30-acre farm.
Manson said the inside space will just about double to allow for more refrigeration and shelving as they expand the product lines. When facing the entrance on Minot Road, the expansion will be on the left side for the retail section and will also include more parking.
Look for new Maine-based frozen products and more grocery items because Manson wants to create more of a one-stop shop where customers can pick up all the ingredients for a full meal.
The self-professed farm stand junkie, said he likes stopping in places and looking for new products to bring into the store. “We’ve focused a lot on our customers’ shopping experience and how it looks and feels,” Manson told The Buzz on Tuesday. “And I think we’re just like a little bit too tight in the space we’re in.”
Manson, who worked for Blackie for two decades before buying it in 2019, has been trying to slowly expand, adding local frozen meats and local produce last year. “A big part of my motivation is keeping Blackie’s legacy alive, and you know, keeping him in mind.”
Manson said he hopes to break ground in early April and wrap the project up about three months later. As of now, Blackie’s plans to stay open during construction, so customers will have to keep the end goal in sight and endure some minor inconveniences.
The Buzz offers quick hits about trending area business happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact business writer Christopher Wheelock at 689-2817 or cwheelock@sunjournal.com
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