Stone Gardens Farm Market opens doors in Huntington Center

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SHELTON — Grocery shoppers in Huntington Center now have a fresh farm option.

The Monahan Family, owners of Stone Gardens Farm off Saw Mill City Road, opened Stone Gardens Farm Market Friday in the space formerly home to Common Bond Market, which closed its doors in March.

The closure left several people without jobs and the area without what had become the go-to place for organic and other health-oriented foods and products.

That's where the Monahans come in. The family had been searching for a location to build a small grocery store to sell their farm fresh meats and produce. When the Common Bond space became available, the family jumped, purchasing the remaining equipment and rehiring many of the employees.

"We were able to walk in and within a few months, we’re open and in business," said Stacia Monahan. "Call it karma, luck … I don't know how to put it. I guess this was just meant to be."

The circumstances surrounding Common Bond's closing and the Monahans’ market plans had been abuzz on social media. And people were ready for Friday's opening, according to Monahan, saying she welcomed customers in right when she opened the doors at 8 a.m.

"I’m really happy," Monahan said as she stood near the deli area where her son, Tom, was preparing the meat case. "So many people have been coming in, looking around. They are genuinely happy to be here."

Stone Gardens Farm is one of the largest vegetable farms in southwest New England and a staple of the White Hills agricultural community. The family has recently begun FDA-approved meat production.

The new store, which at 7,000 square feet dwarfs the 750-square-foot retail space on the farm, will offer an enlarged produce department, fresh and frozen meats, a deli with a selection of Boar's Head products, and prepared foods "right from the farm," she added.

The family has spent the past few weeks cleaning the store area, performing maintenance on all the equipment and establishing relationships with vendors and distributors.

"It is still a work in progress," she said. "As we go on, customers will see more and more in the store."

Stone Gardens Farm Market will be open 8 to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 8 to 4 on Sundays.