Schwartz Family Market grand opening set for June 25 ‘We don’t have much of anything, but we have a lot of everything!’

Photo Credit Tina Cole-Mullins

by Tina Cole-Mullins

It took a little longer than planned, but the Schwartz Family Market soon will open in a limited capacity following a devastating fire last February.

To celebrate, the market and the Amish community will host a Pancake Breakfast and Grand Opening Celebration from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25.  Pancakes, fresh sausage, maple syrup, eggs, homemade ice cream and baked goods will be served from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Cost will be a freewill donation.

The store motto was and still is: “We don’t have much of anything, but we have a lot of everything!”

“We are very grateful to our valued friends and local community for your love and support since our fire loss,” market owner Mark Schwartz said. “Without that, we would not be where we are today. We are happy to announce our opening day, albeit on a limited capacity, until our refrigeration system and the deli are complete.”

In the early morning hours of Feb. 2, a blaze destroyed the Schwartz Family Market and a barn located on Williamston Road in Bunkerhill Township. Thankfully, no one was hurt but the business and barn were a complete loss. Several dogs and rabbits also perished in the fire.

Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins

An inspection after the fire revealed the wiring was old and outdated. Newspaper also had been used for insulation, a common practice in older buildings. But because of the strong ties within the Amish community, cleanup and rebuilding started the very next day.

At the time, Schwartz said the store was lost 90 days after its opening and he hoped to reopen in another 90 days or by the end of spring.

While the reopening took longer than originally planned, it has been an amazing return after the devastation of the fire a few short months ago.  The completion and reopening of the business were equally as amazing to watch.

The new store has been expanded to add a warehouse, allowing for more storage and processing space for not only their store products but also that of their Schwartz Family Bakery with seasonal and fruit flavored pies, cinnamon rolls, breads and cookies.

“We will grow into some such things,” Schwartz said. “For now as always, we are only a phone call away to meet your baking order. Thank you for your patronage.”

Special bakery orders for Schwartz Family Baking are due by Thursday evening for a Saturday order pickup at 4200 S. Williamston Road. To order, call 517-589-0827.

Author’s Note: Watch future editions of the SCN as I explore the Amish culture and reopening of Schwartz Family Market, the Schwartz Family and the Amish within our community.

Photo credit Shannon Murray