Chester County is renowned for its bucolic scenery: rolling hillsides dotted with sprawling farms and beautiful historic homes. On a sunny day, snapping a picture along any of the scenic roads would easily warrant a #nofilter post on Instagram. One could drive for miles and miles along long stretches of beautiful road and not encounter the chaos of a bustling downtown. Taking an adventure north on Route 82 or west on Route 162 are prime choices for a Sunday drive. And just when you think you might never happen upon some place to stop, an oasis of a building will crop up, seemingly out of nowhere, at a crossroads tucked between Unionville and Coatesville.
It is here that you’ve discovered Triple Fresh Market.
“It’s the first sign of civilization on Route 82,” laughs Jim Petro III, son of Triple Fresh owner Jim Petro Jr. We sit around a table, sharing the past and present of this historic market over a delectable lunch of Triple Fresh fare: Waldorf chicken salad on a LeBus brioche slider roll; a salad of mixed greens with feta cheese, walnuts, Granny Smith apples and homemade balsamic vinaigrette; and vegetarian pasta salad with homemade Italian dressing. Between bites, the Petros share an amazing history that spans over 150 years, as well as their vision for the future.
Jim Petro started working at Wawa and Turkey Hill, eventually meeting his business partner. They went in on their first venture, Hershey’s Market in Christiana, Pa., to great success. One day, Lloyd Webster, the owner of what would become Triple Fresh Market, approached the duo about buying his farm market. Jim was immediately enamored by its country charm and saw great potential. The business partners decided to part ways, and Jim took over Triple Fresh Market.
Over the course of 27 years, the Petro family has grown the market from a modest general store to a modern-day gourmet grocer, serving the everyday as well as upscale needs of the community. Well known for its deli and prepared foods, Triple Fresh has bolstered its fresh meat offerings, expanded its local food offerings and started a flourishing catering business.
Not familiar with Triple Fresh Market? Here are five of our top reasons you should be stopping in and shopping in the near future:
Rich History
Not many grocery stores are housed in a historic building and can claim a history of over 150 years! What started as a general store on the corner of the Webster farm has evolved into a 10,000 square foot grocery offering a wide variety of wares. In the late 1800s, the market served the Civil War-era community with clothes, feed, tools and paint. Today, the market continues to sell to the needs of its community. Around the entrance to the store, visitors can see photos of the store dating back to 1901!
Homemade Goodness
In a culture where we value convenience (that often comes in a box on a shelf), there is nothing more refreshing than homemade food. Triple Fresh has a delicious array of homemade items: olive oil, sausage, barbecue sauce, marinara sauce and mint iced tea made from Mom Petro’s own recipe! When you don’t have time to whip up something from scratch yourself, Triple Fresh homemade is the perfect option!
Supporting Local
Supporting local is a growing trend, and for good reason: local food benefits the environment, supports local families and farmers, and helps put money back into the local economy. There are so many great local food vendors in the Philadelphia region, and many of them can be found at Triple Fresh. The Petro family is continuing to build their vendor program, which currently buys from more than 60 vendors. Stop by Triple Fresh to find local vendors such as The Farm at Doe Run, DiBruno Bros., Twin Valley Coffee, Swarmbustin’ Honey, Buffalo Run Ranch, Buck Run Land and Cattle Farm and Lancaster Beef.
Family Ties
When you shop at Triple Fresh, you shop with family. The store is family run, with Jim Petro’s sons, Jim and Mike, each taking part in the market’s growth and success. And the Petros are on site daily, helping customers, taking orders and chatting with the locals. Even the staff are family. Walk in on any given day, and you’ll be greeted by smiling employees like Nancy and Sarah from behind the front desk. Becoming a regular at Triple Fresh Market is like joining the Triple Fresh family!
Fantastic Food
With products from more than 60 vendors, amazing food is the heart of Triple Fresh Market. Whatever your food needs are, Triple Fresh can fill it. Looking for a hot cup of coffee on the commute to work? They’ve got you covered. You forgot to pack lunch or need to pick up items for dinner? The deli and prepared foods give you numerous tasty options. Hosting a dinner party and hoping to create a charcuterie tray? The growing gourmet section is well-appointed (don’t forget to complement your charcuterie tray with sides such as local honey and homemade olive oil!).
Stay tuned, as we’ll be sharing more about the many facets Triple Fresh has to offer, including their catering services.
Find Triple Fresh at 801 Doe Run Road in East Fallowfield, Pa. To stay updated on the latest from Triple Fresh, check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
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