The Produce Station; an Ann Arborite foodies’ paradise

 

The Produce Station; All photos by Stephanie Russell

Nestled alongside the Ann Arbor Railroad on South State Street sits The Produce Station, a small specialty foods market devoted to providing the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. In addition to offering fresh produce, they also boast a wide selection of locally farmed cheeses, charcuterie, wines, and specially prepared meals made in-house.

Ready-to-plant pansies in their garden department

In the Spring, they showcase nature’s kaleidescope of colors by introducing the seasons’ first floral buds. Pansies and tulips dot the outside of the market, greeting customers with their cheerful hues.

Bright, cheerful blooms herald the beginning of Spring

In business since 1986, The Produce Station continues to stick to it’s core beliefs cultivated by creator and owner Rick Peshkin, who emphasized great tasting quality food, passion, and high customer service.

The Produce Station prides itself on delivering the freshest quality produce on a daily basis. Linda Munsell, a store manager working there for 20 years explained, “We go to Eastern Market five days a week to get a lot of our produce.” Over the years, they have developed strong relationships with local farmers. “We have a farmer we go to for corn, blueberries, and raspberries. And on the western side of the state we use a farmer that grows peaches and apples.”

Indeed, everything tucked inside their market gleams and shines, having that “just-picked-off-the-vine” quality to it that any food lover would be attracted to. This would also be the spot to grab those gourmet, hard-to-find items, like baby artichokes, patty pan squash, and rapini.

Carrots, turnips, and parsnips

The Produce Station is the kind of place where you go in needing to buy just a few things but end up leaving with an entire basketful. From delightful morsel samples of vintage cheddar to locally-produced Jerusalem Garden hummus, temptations abound, leaving the serious foodie provoked and with no other choice but to take the delicacies home.

Fresh asparagus decorate crates on the store front

“Everything is always so fresh and gorgeous here,” says local Ann Arbor resident Patricia Sorn. “I love their salad bar. I come here for lunch all the time.”

Just newly renovated, The Produce Station’s salad bar houses a wide array of fresh leafy greens and vegetables as well as a variety of accoutrements perfect for lunch or dinner.

If you’re looking for a sweet gem of a market in Ann Arbor, The Produce Station is your ticket to finding the very best ingredients with an emphasis on local fare and passionate service.

The Produce Station

1629 S. State Street

Ann Arbor, MI 48104

734.663.7848

Store Hours: Mon – Sat 8 am – 9 pm; Sun 8 am – 8 pm

Find them on Facebook and Twitter.

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