Fresh summertime produce at Johnson’s produce stand in Center

Fresh summertime produce at Johnson’s produce stand in Center Annika Bloys Wed, 07/03/2024 - 11:29 Image

• Mr. Johnson next to his Produce Stand on Tenaha Street. Leon Aldridge | Light and Champion
• Nothing is better than farm fresh watermelon. Leon Aldridge | Light and Champion
• Red ripe tomatos are also available at Mr. Johnson’s produce stand. Leon Aldridge | Light and Champion

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Johnson’s Produce is more than just our local farmer’s market. It’s a multi-generational family business.

Since 1986, the Johnsons have been known for their dedication to selling the freshest Produce. Their journey began when downtown merchants extended an invitation for them to set up their market stall in the bustling square. Recalling those early days, Shelby Johnson reminisces, “We used to have a produce stand on the highway, a good distance from Center. But when we were invited to sell our goods on the square, Mom and Dad achieved great success by the time I was about 14 or 15 years old.”

Shelby and Renee Johnson, our very own community members, took over from his parents in 1992, the year they married. When the renovation of Center Square started, they moved to their current location at 408 Tenaha Street. Having been there about four years, they are comfortable there. A customer of theirs, Mrs.

Warr, owned the property and let them use it, and eventually, they bought it last year. Mr. Johnson remarked, “It’s a pleasant little place. It’s got plenty of shade and plenty of parking. Our customers like the ease of getting in and out here. We are blessed.”

While they sell a variety of things, including snapped beans, pinto beans, tomatoes, peaches, squash, watermelons, and cantaloupe, it’s only seasonal. Mr. Johnson states, “Our biggest hit is probably red tomatoes, watermelons, cantaloupe, and peas. Well, I guess everything is a local favorite. They pick and sell their produce daily while in season. “We sell every day. We can’t wait to sell something if we pick it on Monday. We pick and sell daily,” said Johnson. Freshness for their customers has always been the number one priority for generations.

Renee Johnson, wife of Shelby Johnson, said, “We’ve been selling through many generations. People have watched our kids grow. All of our workers are family. It’s a family business. Family, other than our loyal customers, are the keys to our success.” Mr. Johnson’s mother started training her grandkids when they were about five. Every summer, their kids joined in running the family stand and selling produce.

Mr. Johnson recounted the story of Olivia, his daughter, a former Texas National Watermelon Queen, who was little and someone coming to pay for Produce. “It would be $76.00, and they would get it bagged, and she’d say $76.00. They’d say, Mrs Johnson, talking to my mama, would you add this for me? And she’d say, “Well, I will, but it will be $76,” said Mr. Johnson. Working at Johnson Produce Stand has instilled a bond with the community here. They’ve been doing it for so long; they know their customers, and that’s what they try to do.