Way Fruit Farms opens Market and Café

Story posted November 4, 2022 in CommRadio, News by Emily McGlynn

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Way Fruit Farms has been around Centre County since 1826 and is now being run by the sixth generation.

The Way’s have participated in the farmer’s market for 15 years by selling produce. Jason Coopey and his wife felt it was time to expand their business to a permanent, more accessible location.

In 2022, the couple bought and built the interior of a double-decker complex on 252 E Calder Way. The first floor is filled with tables and chairs for people to munch and socialize, accompanied by baked goods and sandwiches.

On the second floor, customers can purchase fruits, vegetables and locally produced dairy items. Way Fruit Farm offers a variety of fruits like apples, strawberries and even peaches and plums. Coopey explained his mission for the new store.

“We just love doing what we do: growing foods and providing them for people,” Coopey said. “What we try to do is have a farmer’s market year-round inside where people can come out, find those local foods and keep the prices very affordable.”  

Even though this family has been providing fresh food around the area for centuries, not many people know about the new shop. Nicholas Ferretti, a fourth-year majoring in advertising and public relations, stocks fruit in the shop. He thinks it’s a great store but more people need to know about it. 

“I think more exposure always helps,” said Ferretti. “Right now, we are currently in the stage where there’s a good enough chunk [of people] because we got the guy from LionCash to come in. So that was probably my first big sign that a lot more people knew about us than I thought; If they are asking for LionCash to be here.”  

Way Fruit Farms updates its social media, newsletter, and products every single day. Not only can people go to the farm and to the store, but people can also order for delivery on their website. Oftentimes, the family-owned business holds events and fundraisers to make a more meaningful experience for people throughout the year.

More information:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLkP83xWJCKpwCOGZTFFasQ
Instagram: @wayfruitfarm

 
Emily McGlynn is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email esm5378@psu.edu.