Market ‘caters’ to local needs
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
WASHBURN — A change in names and ownership has brought a familiar face back to Washburn, following Mark Kelley’s purchase of the Washburn Food Mart, 1284 Main St., from former owner Dan Martin. The store, now called Country Farms Market, marks the second grocery venue for Kelley and his wife, Haley. The couple also owns a store of the same name in Easton, purchased about three years ago.
FRESH PRODUCE is on display as you enter Country Farms Market on Main Street in Washburn. 
Pictured is store owner Mark Kelley, who took over the former Washburn Food Mart in May. Kelley also owns a store in Easton by the same name. He and his wife, Haley, would like to one day own a chain of markets in Maine, offering a variety of meats, produce and groceries, as well as pizzas, sandwiches and more. Catering is also available.
Kelley, a 1999 graduate of Washburn District High School, said buying a business in his hometown was an easy decision to make.
“We took over the business on May 11, in time for Mother’s Day weekend. My wife and I had looked at two or three possibilities, before agreeing this would be a great location for our second Country Farms Market,” said Kelley. “I’m kind of partial to this one.”
No strangers to the world of retail grocery stores, the Kelleys both got their start working at a Presque Isle business.
“We both got our start in a grocery store – Star City IGA. We worked there through high school and while attending college,” he said.
From meat and produce to dairy goods, cereals to snacks, pet food and cleaning products to magazines and greeting cards, Country Farms Market has all the necessities, whether you’re buying groceries for a family of four for a week or planning a barbecue for 100.
“We’ll be promoting the meat department and can do boxes for any occasion, whether it’s a family cookout or holiday feast,” said Kelley. “People can call in orders and we’ll prepare it.”
C&S Wholesales supplies the store’s meat and grocery items.
A NEW SIGN, siding and handicapped-accessible ramp and porch welcome customers to Country Farms Market in Washburn — formerly the Washburn Food Mart. 
Here, new store owner Mark Kelley stands outside the business, located on Main Street.
In addition to baked goods, the store also features pizzas and subs made to order.
“Thursdays we’ll have a pizza special. A one-item pizza is just $5.99. We also offer a variety of sandwiches and specialty platters. Place your order and we’ll do the rest,” said Kelley.
Whether you’re shopping in Washburn or Easton, both stores will feature the same specials.
“We’ll provide the same sales flyers, mirroring the stores and specials. We’re unique in that we offer a green alternative to advertising, using the Internet as much as possible to promote both stores. We make our own flyer each week, making them available on the web. We’re trying to go green, eliminating flyers and mailings,” he said.
The Kelleys are also making a name for themselves in the field of catering.
“We want folks to know we’re more than just a grocery store; we also offer catering services. We do weddings, anniversaries, business gatherings and more. We’ve catered up to 500 before, including functions for Huber’s and McCain’s in Easton, and Naturally Potatoes in Mars Hill. We’ve also done a number of alumni events,” said Kelley. “We’d love to cater your next special event.”
Kelley said he and his wife are pleased to add a second facility to what they hope will one day be a chain of stores.
“We’d like to have a whole chain of Country Farms Markets, as the opportunities arise. We’re fond of smaller towns and like working with communities to make the store a destination — somewhere you can go to fill several needs in one location,” said Kelley.
Since taking over, the Kelleys have made a number of improvements to the building.
“We’ve made some lighting changes and interior upgrades and have re-sided outside and added a new porch and handicapped-accessible ramp,” said Kelley.
The business will be hosting a grand opening event in July.
“We’ll be holding a grand opening sale the second week in July. We look forward to getting to know everyone — seeing old friends from my school days and meeting new friends,” said Kelley.
For more information about the store, visit countryfarmsmkt.com, look for Country Farms Market on Facebook or call 455-8057. Business hours are Monday through Saturday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
