Delicious Orchards

Delicious Orchards
Private
Industry Farmers' market
Founded 1911 (1911)
Founder Carroll W. Barclay
Headquarters Colts Neck, New Jersey, U.S.
Key people
 Bill McDonald, President & CEO
Number of employees
 250-300 (2015)
Website deliciousorchardsnjonline.com

Delicious Orchards is a farm and country food market located in Colts Neck, New Jersey, United States.

History

Delicious Orchards began in 1911 as a small orchard located on a farm road (present day County Route 537), connecting Colts Neck with Freehold. The Barclay family, of Cranberry (now known as Cranbury), bought the orchard in 1922, having three generations of the family run the farm.[1] The orchard eventually grew to 110 acres throughout the years. In the 1950s, Carroll W. Barclay, the son of the original owners, took over the operation of the farm. He altered the concept of the business from being strictly wholesale to a combination of retail. In 1959, Barclay hauled several wagonloads of apples to the roadside and set up a makeshift stand. This concept was a success, and in 1960, a 1,200 square feet (110 m2) stand was built, which led to modern day Delicious Orchards. Product lines were expanded to include fresh apple cider and his wife Janet's apple pie. Several varieties of apples were grown and hand-picked for the best flavor at their peak season. In the 1960s, the Barclay's transitioned to a year-round business with the addition of more produce and baked goods. In 1966, the Barclay's bought a building on Route 34 at the current location of Delicious Orchards. Having the business indoors created some additions to the product line, including citrus fruits and cheeses.[2]

The farm today

Over 2.5 million people visit Delicious Orchards annually.[2] As of 2011, the farm has 250 employees, with 300 employed during the fall.[2][3] Patrons have a variety of fresh foods from several departments of Delicious Orchards. These include produce, deli, bakery, coffee and tea, seafood, smoothie/juice bar, prepared foods, organic foods, and candy. Their services also include, personalized gift baskets, catering, and curbside service.[4]

Delicious Orchards is now owned and operated by Bill and Linda McDonald along with their four children Keri, Chris, Mike and Erin.

The farm is located on Route 34 between Route 18 and County Route 537. Most visitors come from the Monmouth County area, as well as those from New York City and the Jersey Shore.

Trivia

Rock musician and Monmouth County native Bruce Springsteen has visited Delicious Orchards, which whom he favors the farm's homemade apple pies.[5]

Marlboro, New Jersey native Melissa Rauch and former Colts Neck resident Queen Latifah also have been known to frequent Delicious Orchards.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Remembering The 20th Century: An Oral History of Monmouth County". Monmouth County website. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 "History of Delicious Orchards". Delicious Orchards website. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  3. ↑ Peter Genovese (September 14, 2011). "Apple Fest at Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck". The Star-Ledger. NJ.com. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  4. ↑ http://www.deliciousorchardsnjonline.com/about-us/
  5. ↑ Gail L. Cathey (November 20, 1987). "A Springsteen Tour Feel Born To Run? Check Out The Boss' Stomping Grounds". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Melissa Rauch and Queen Latifah Both Love Delicious Orchards in New Jersey!". The Queen Latifah Show. Retrieved February 24, 2015.

Coordinates: 40°16′58″N 74°10′21″W / 40.282848°N 74.172585°W / 40.282848; -74.172585

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