A market Southwest of Augusta is getting set to celebrate 10 years of being the “go-to” spot for many customers who are in a food desert and like a local butcher and hometown feel.
Gibson is home to the Hometown Market and owned and operated by Fred and Rachel DeLoach, who both retired from the postal service. They started in the parking lot here as a roadside market selling fresh produce and eventually rebuilt a vacant store.
The second piece of equipment purchased was a used ice cream freezer (far right) that is still $1.00 for a hand-dipped ice cream cone.
“To this day, that stands. I wanted the children to be able to bring in their money, put it in a special basket so they could buy their own, and Mom or Dad could stay in the car.
Now mom or dad shop, and kids still buy their own cone and go sit at the table with other kids, books from our little library, and wait on parents while we watch out for them,” said Rachel DeLoach.
About a year and a half into their adventure, the husband and wife team installed produce cases, dairy, deli, freezers, and finally the meat market in late 2017.
They started with ground beef, steaks, pork chops, and chicken.
“We now make 20 different sausages and brats, custom cuts and creations such as stuffed chops with feta cheese and spinach, kabobs, and our World Famous ‘Boomer’s Bacon Brisket Burgers. My husband teaches the art of meat cutting and preparation.
We encourage involvement from employees, and several have their own creations they sell, “added Mrs. DeLoach.
For their 10th Anniversary, the Hometown Market will be part of a “Shop Glascock Day.” ABD will keep you posted on the days and times. She will have food specials, and there will be family fun, live music, and more.
“I am very proud of what we have accomplished, but it was not possible without our community.
“My goal with our 10th anniversary is to celebrate Glascock County and my employees, both past and present. Success is a combination of hard work and support.”
