For the past nine years, customers have pulled their cars onto the gravel parking lot just off U.S. 50 and ambled into the building for a sandwich made with homemade bread or a sweet roll.
Now, when customers enters the business, they will have to walk a bit farther to get that fresh sandwich or pastry. Recent renovations added 4,500 square feet to Shirk’s Country Market in Centertown and moved the deli and bakery counter to the back side of the store.
“We just saw a need for more product to be made and more room to work,” manager Randy Shirk said. “With the renovation, people are able to get in the store and get back to the deli away from the checkout counter.”
This spring will mark 10 years Shirk’s has been at its current site. The business, which opened in 2000, has operated in three locations. Randy’s parents, Deloris and Wayne Shirk, originally went into their own business after successfully selling plants and making sandwiches at Apple Creek Orchard.
Adding groceries and bulk foods only happened due to customer request. She said their second location was on the old U.S. 50, which is now Lookout Trail. When the new highway was built, they moved again into the current building.
Now, the expansion of the business is beyond what they expected. The expanded freezer allows for more food storage, and a large kitchen with new rotating rack ovens allows the homemade breads to bake evenly. Previously, employees turned the product halfway through the baking process.
Two offices, a break room and a new truck dock were also included in the renovations.
The business continues to sell plants from its on-site greenhouse. When produce is in season, they acquire fruits and vegetables from farmers in Versailles.
Country markets have a different set of products than most grocery stores. Evelyn Ward said she travels from Jefferson City for jelly and preserves.
“The renovation is wonderful,” Ward said. “We love their homemade breads and their sweet rolls.”
Shirk’s is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays.