StockBIZ: Stockbridge-area residents hungry for new grocery market may find soon-to-open Plane Food Market is their cup of tea

Deanna and Don McAlister are looking forward to welcoming customers to their Plane Food Market, beginning with a soft opening tentatively planned for July 6. Photo credit: Patrice Johnson.

by Mary Jo David

Donald and Deanna McAlister of Stockbridge are hungry—hungry for a sustainable grocery alternative in the village of Stockbridge and hungry to find a good use for the storefront space they own at the corner of S. Center and E. Elizabeth streets. The space has been empty since the auto parts store moved out last year. That’s when Don’s cousin, Jodelle Sparks, approached the couple with some ideas about how to use the space.

As a result, the idea of the Plane Food Market was born—a fresh produce and organic food market with plans to offer produce, meat, cheese, honey, and staples you’d find in a mini grocery.

The concept of the soon-to-be market in Stockbridge is similar to Agricole in Chelsea as well as some of the other community-based grocery markets that have cropped up (Pun intended!) in towns around the area. Just this past week the Plane Food Market passed its inspection by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, similar to a health department inspection but for businesses focused on agricultural products.

The McAlisters are looking at a soft opening date of Monday, July 6. Passersby have watched as the market’s sign went up out front and crate stands for the fresh produce were set up in the store.

Deanna observed with a smile, “We’ve noticed a lot of nose prints on the windows!”

The Plane Food Market is a play on words, as both McAlisters are flying enthusiasts. Deanna has been flying since she was fifteen years old and was her husband’s flight instructor before he got his private pilot’s license. As a commercial pilot, Deanna used to fly freight. “I often hauled flowers, and they always smelled wonderful,” she recalled.

“Don also has roots in farming, so this project kind of hits his heart,” his wife shared.

The McAlisters, along with son Joshua, were looking for a good use for the storefront space they own at the corner Center and Elizabeth streets in Stockbridge. The Plane Food Market concept was born. Photo credit: Patrice Johnson.

The McAlisters, who live in Munith, are very familiar with life—and business—in Stockbridge. Don grew up in the Stockbridge area and has been a long-time business owner in the village. Years ago he sold his auto-parts business to focus on Stockbridge Auto Care, a business he runs with Deanna just around the corner from the new market.

Sparks happens to be president of the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce, so she also knows a thing or two about the business needs of the community. And she has more than a family interest in the endeavor; she plans on being a vendor in the market.

“For my part, I’ll be offering organic shakes, teas, and coffees, and Deanna has been wonderful to work with as we’ve been getting this idea off the ground,” Sparks noted.

Together, the McAlisters and Sparks have been reaching out to area farmers and producers to encourage them to sell their produce, meat, and country-cupboard-type products, like honey and pickles, on a consignment basis, with the producers receiving 75% and the market retaining 25% of the income on what is sold.

Suzi Greenway, who runs the Open Air Market of Stockbridge, has also been helping to answer questions posed by the new market owners and provide useful advice from her years of experience working with farmers.

“I would love to see them succeed at this,” Greenway remarked. “We’ve had many conversations, and I’m very excited. This town needs a business that can provide fresh food products every day of the week. Whatever the McAlisters can bring to the table—we’ll take it!”

Speaking of tables, when the market opens, follow the floor compass, due north, to a small seating area in this 120-year-old building where you can relax and enjoy refreshments and take in the small-town ambiance of downtown Stockbridge.

The Plane Food Market is located at 121 E. Elizabeth Street in Stockbridge. You can also find it on Facebook if you search for “Plane Food Market.”