Frances Jones’ experience as a child of the Great Depression taught her the value of doing a little with a lot, by taking advantage of what was right around her. Her industrious philosophy lives on today in the form of Provisions Local Market, which sells her own recipes and other locally grown bulk foods and spices within the setting of an old-time grocery store. The family business that her grandson, Tyler Jones, launched in her memory will soon open its third location in downtown Belmont. “If there’s any kind of local, small product we can get behind and support, we really want to do that,” he said. “That’s where our passion is.” Jones is the president of Sandy Creek Herb Co. and Provisions Local Market, which first opened in Indian Land, S.C., before relocating to Waxhaw several years ago. He later opened a second storefront in Columbia, S.C. The stores specialize in local dairy products, milk, eggs and other staples, as well as a wide variety of spices and foods. They also have gluten-free and organic foods. Provisions will set up shop at 21 N. Main St. in Belmont, renting about 1,100 square feet of space on the first floor that was formerly home to Margaret’s Beauty Shop. Jones plans to open March 15.
Expanding a legacy
A new awning with the Provisions logo has already been installed, and building owner Jonathan Taylor is helping to oversee more extensive renovations inside. A drop ceiling has been removed to expose the ground level’s original, 16-foot-high space. Workers pulled plywood and metal bars away from the wall to reveal windows that have been fitted with new glass panes, bringing more natural light inside. Run-of-the-mill vinyl tile has been pulled up from the floor to expose striking pinewood planks that are now being refinished. The restoration is critical to what Provisions aims to achieve, Jones said. “It’s all about atmosphere. We play an interesting mix of folk and bluegrass music,” he said. “You walk in our store and it’s very energetic and upbeat. We focus on that customer service experience.” Frances Jones was an avid supporter of flea markets and farmers markets all her life. On the farm where she lived with her husband in southwestern Virginia, she began growing and making herb blends, herb vinegars and other wares to sell in her community. “My family didn’t have a lot of money and barely made ends meet,” Tyler Jones said. “That feeling of comfort from what my grandmother brought to the table is what I’d missed since being a kid.” More than 10 years after his grandmother’s death in 1999, Jones decided to put to use what she had taught their family. He quit his job as district manager for a wireless communications company and began selling her recipes at various farmers markets. Before long, he had started his companies and begun selling more locally grown products.
Quaint and small
With its downtown historic district, Belmont had long been on Jones’ radar as a possible point for expansion. But it wouldn’t have come together if not for the work of Montcross Chamber of Commerce President Ted Hall, he said. “He plowed the road and really put forth an effort to introduce me to landlords here and find me a place,” Jones said. “Had it not been for Ted, we would not be there now.” Jones said his business plan is to help revitalize historic districts with a grocery market that carries products from local food producers. “My job is to go around to these local producers’ farms, into their kitchens, and help them grow their product line,” he said. “That’s something that means a lot to me.” “Quaint and small” are key adjectives in his recipe for success. The manager of the Belmont store will be Chris Ruth, a Johnson & Wales University graduate and culinary expert who previously oversaw the Waxhaw location. Provisions operates small, with minimal overhead, in an effort to keep prices affordable, Jones said. “We want to directly relate with our customers and be able to offer a better experience for them,” he said. “I think you lose that with a ‘big box’ store. And that’s what we certainly are not.” You can reach Michael Barrett at 704-869-1826 or twitter.com/GazetteMike.