CHICOPEE – It was the end of an era for McKinstry Market Garden Inc. when their farm stand was demolished on Dec. 22. However, the demolition of the family-owned and operated farm stand is just the beginning for the McKinstry’s. On May 1, 2021 McKinstry Market Garden Inc. will open a new store at the same 753 Montgomery St. location.

The McKinstry family has been farming for over 100 years. Their 100th anniversary was in 2008. Will and his brother Warren McKinstry are joining their family business as fourth generation farmers. Will explained he enjoys working on the farm growing crops whereas Warren noted he enjoys retail and will help run the store.

“I always had a passion for agriculture,” said Will.

According to both Will and Warren, the demolishment of the farm stand was necessary to make way for a bigger and better future. The new store will have more square footage, heat and air conditioning, more technological advancements and the ability to be open year round. The previous farm stand was too small to accommodate all of their customers, and could only stay open from May to October due to weather.

McKinstry Farms is most known for the production of their sweet corn and tomatoes. The McKinstry’s try to have their famous sweet corn ready for July 4 every year. The new store will allow them to produce a variety of other vegetables and to begin selling ice cream during the summer months, said Will. 

"We hope to offer more products and a bigger product line within our store too,” said Will.

Will and Warren compare the new farm store to Atkins Farm or Randall’s, where they will offer more than produce but it won’t be a full scale grocery store like Big Y or Stop and Shop.

According to Will, McKinstry Market Garden Inc. saw increased customers and sales during the last year of COVID-19.

“We’ve been busier this year, A lot of people want to support the local farmers more because they know they’re hurting,” he said.

The business was able to follow all CDC guidelines to avoid anyone getting sick.

McKinstry Farms owns land in both Hadley and Granby, but their Chicopee store is where they will sell all of their produce. Tentative hours for the store are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. These hours are subject to change.

Both brothers shared they are looking forward to this new adventure and to continue the McKinstry legacy with their parents.

“More room is a big thing and I’m looking forward to the air conditioning too,” said Will.

Those interested in learning more about McKinstry Farms or the new McKinstry Market Garden Inc. are encouraged to visit their website at https://mckinstryfarms.com/ or their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/McKinstry-Market-Garden-Inc-105532792830921/.