Wide variety of food available at The Country Table

The Country Table owner Kari Lamers, left, and manager Erin Tupper stand in front of the vast array of frozen fruits and vegetable available in the store. Besides products from Tillsonburg Custom Foods, the store also sells fresh products from more than 20 local retailers. (Jeff Helsdon Photo).

Jeff Helsdon

In the 10 years since The Country Table started, the business has grown and carries a wider variety of products.

Located on Vance Drive, off North Street East, The Country Table was started by Kari Lamers. Her husband Ed owns Tillsonburg Custom Foods, which initially had an outlet store in the factory. As that business grew and the store near Tillsonburg Custom Foods became available, Kari saw an opportunity to start her own business.

Besides carrying the frozen products from Tillsonburg Custom Foods, The Country Table retails frozen meat products from Nor-Pac and Norfolk Packers.

“We’re direct so we get a little better price as well,” Lamers said. “The outlet piece is sometimes we can get seconds or overruns, not just TCF.”

The Country Table offers a lot more than just frozen meat products. Tillsonburg Custom Foods has a fruit and vegetable facility in Ingersoll, and product is brought in from there. In addition, there are cheese, deli meat, charcuterie supplies and dessert items from other local businesses. Today, there are more than 20 other suppliers whose products are sold at the store, and Lamers is always interested in adding more.

One new addition is Rachel’s Tarts, a company from Trenton. Well known in Prince Edward County, the owner of the company behind these delectable tarts was looking to retire. Lamers is now co-owner of the company and believes it’s a quality product that is not well known outside of Prince Edward County. The tarts are sold in the store, and any tart lovers who haven’t tried them are missing out. There are eight different flavours available, including plain, pecan, raisin, pumpkin and salted caramel.

The tarts opened the door to fundraising opportunities for local sports teams, schools and churches. These groups now sell the tarts as a way of raising money.

The business has grown to employ four people. Since the beginning there has been an emphasis on supporting local companies and the community.

“In the 10 years, we’ve grown from just frozen food to a fresh section with deli and cheese,” Lamers said. “People might be surprised, expecting with a small place the prices are higher, but we’re very competitive with the grocery store or sometimes less.”

With Christmas around the corner, store manager Erin Tupper is promoting custom gift baskets for the holidays, featuring a variety of deli meats, cheeses and preserves sold in the store.

The Country Table offers weekly specials and the availability to sign up for flyers through e-mail. A complete price list and flyer sign-up is available at countrytable.ca. The business is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 11-4.