Scranton Welcomes a Taste of Tradition: New Amish Market Opens its Doors
Scranton, PA – The Electric City is now home to a slice of Pennsylvania Dutch country with the grand opening of “The Homestead Market,” a new Amish market located on Meadow Avenue. The market, which officially opened its doors last week, offers a wide array of handcrafted goods, fresh produce, baked goods, and traditional Amish fare, drawing crowds from across Lackawanna County and beyond.
The Homestead Market is the brainchild of the Beiler family, who relocated to the Scranton area from Lancaster County earlier this year. “We saw a need for a place where people could find authentic, high-quality Amish products,” said Samuel Beiler, the market’s owner. “We wanted to bring a little bit of our heritage and way of life to this community.”
A Community Embraces Tradition
The market’s opening has been met with enthusiasm from local residents, eager to experience the unique offerings and traditional craftsmanship. “I was so excited when I heard an Amish market was coming to Scranton,” said Mary Kowalski, a Scranton resident and frequent customer. “The quality of everything is just outstanding. You can tell it’s made with care and attention to detail.”
The Homestead Market features a variety of vendors, each specializing in different products. There’s a bakery offering freshly baked pies, breads, and cookies; a deli with homemade cheeses, meats, and salads; a produce stand brimming with seasonal fruits and vegetables; and a craft section showcasing handmade quilts, wooden toys, and furniture.
“We’re committed to providing our customers with the freshest, most authentic Amish products,” Beiler said. “We source our ingredients locally whenever possible, and everything is made using traditional recipes and methods.”
Local Businesses Welcome Newcomer
The arrival of The Homestead Market has also been welcomed by other local businesses, who see it as a potential draw for tourism and economic growth. “Anytime we can bring more people to Scranton, it’s a good thing,” said Tony Bianchi, owner of Bianchi’s Pizza, a Scranton landmark. “The market will attract visitors from all over, and that will benefit all of us.”
Other local businesses, such as farmers markets and specialty food stores, have expressed a willingness to collaborate with The Homestead Market. “We see them as a partner, not a competitor,” said Sarah Miller, manager of the Scranton Co-op Farmers Market. “We can work together to promote local agriculture and provide customers with a wider variety of options.”
More Than Just a Market
The Homestead Market is more than just a place to buy goods; it’s also a place to experience Amish culture and learn about their way of life. The Beiler family is eager to share their traditions and values with the community.
“We want people to come here and feel like they’re stepping back in time,” said Sarah Beiler, Samuel’s wife. “We want them to learn about our culture, our food, and our craftsmanship. We’re happy to answer questions and share our stories.”
The market also offers demonstrations of traditional Amish crafts, such as quilting and woodworking. Visitors can watch as skilled artisans create beautiful and functional items using time-honored techniques.
“It’s important to us to keep these traditions alive,” Samuel Beiler said. “By sharing them with others, we hope to inspire a greater appreciation for the simple things in life.”
Challenges and Adaptations
Establishing a new business in a new community is never without its challenges, and the Beiler family has faced their share of obstacles. One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to the local business environment and regulations.
“We’ve had to learn about local zoning laws, health codes, and other regulations,” Samuel Beiler said. “It’s been a learning process, but we’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the local government and business community.”
Another challenge has been balancing the demands of running a business with their commitment to their faith and community. The Amish way of life emphasizes simplicity, community, and separation from the modern world.
“We try to maintain a balance between our business and our faith,” Sarah Beiler said. “We close the market on Sundays for worship, and we try to incorporate our values into everything we do.”
A Bright Future
Despite the challenges, the Beiler family is optimistic about the future of The Homestead Market. They believe that their commitment to quality, tradition, and community will resonate with the people of Scranton and beyond.
“We’re here for the long haul,” Samuel Beiler said. “We want to become a fixture in the community, a place where people can come to find good food, unique gifts, and a taste of Amish culture.”
As word of The Homestead Market spreads, more and more people are discovering the charm and appeal of authentic Amish products. The market is not only providing a valuable service to the community but also helping to preserve and share a rich cultural heritage.
Local resident, Michael Schmidt, added, “It’s a great addition to our town. It’s something different and unique, and it’s bringing people together. I think it’s going to be a real asset to Scranton.”
The Homestead Market is located at 123 Meadow Avenue, Scranton, PA, and is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.