Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter
September 23, 2014 10:15 a.m.
Their motto is “Farm to Table, Heart to Heart.” Sam Forbes, Wes Goode and Lauren Birtles got together at a local church and discovered their mutual love of good cooking, good music and good fellowship. Together with their unique backgrounds, their partnership led to the creation of The Savory Market. Forbes had a background in the kitchen with various restaurants in Miami, San Marco, the Panhandle and most recently learned the front of the house with restaurateurs Brett Carter and Tip Fisher.
Goode shared Forbes passion for cooking and for music and served as a youth minister and worship pastor. Both still teach musical instruments and play as well. Birtles brings the baking background, having worked as a baker at Great Harvest and also lends a critical eye to the new store.
It all started at the corner of Old Nassauville Road and A1A where Joe’s Produce was set up for several years. When Joe moved to the Deer Walk Plaza, Forbes and Goode began helping out with the store and finally bought it to set up their own specialty market in March 2014. Their goal is to have fresh seasonal produce, good quality, and affordable products in their market. Organic and all natural foods are also important.
At some point they started a small lunch business using their own products for their now regular items on the menu, i.e., a salmon salad; a BLT with kale, pesto and avocado ; and a roasted veggie wrap. Other items change daily and homemade soups are also an item.
They stock frozen meats from Wainwright’s (especially their bacon and sausages) in Nahunta, Georgia, wild caught fish and pasture-raised meats from White Oak. Free range eggs, dairy products and produce are also brought from other local sources. There are also specialty items, like honeys, syrups, jams and cheeses.
Currently the owners of the market are still redoing parts of the store and adding more new equipment. But you can stop by Monday through Saturday 9-6 and shop for those last minute needs or for a great dinner idea at 474380 State Road 200/A1A in the Deer Walk Plaza. Be looking for a Grand Opening sometime in October. Also go to www.thesavorymarket.com or call 904-432-8551 for more information.
Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.
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