Blooming Anew – Grier’s Farmer’s Market Cultivates Community

For generations, the familiar name of Fat Boy’s Produce has been synonymous with fresh, locally sourced goodness. A true cornerstone of the community, its history stretches back nearly half a century, weaving through the lives of countless residents. While the official business name is now Grier’s Farmer’s Market, the deep roots and commitment to quality which defined Fat Boy’s continue to flourish, nurtured by a vision for a modern, thriving marketplace.

“Fat Boy’s Produce has been around for about, I’d say, 45, 48 years,” explains Andrey Williams, the General Manager of Grier’s. His voice carries a sense of respect for the legacy he now helps to steward. He recounts the names that have guided its journey – Nixon, Larry Moss, Sam Hewett, Mike Blackwell, and Jonathan Hudson – all figures deeply embedded in the local farming community. In 2019, Larry Grier took the helm, ushering in a period of transformation aimed at ensuring the market’s continued vitality.

“We’ve done a lot of transformation,” Andrey acknowledges, “We’ve tried to keep the original spirit of the farmer’s market, but obviously, we had to modernize it to be more competitive.” He understands the pull of convenience offered by big box stores, yet firmly believes in the enduring value of a true farmer’s market experience. This commitment to heritage, coupled with a forward-thinking approach, led to the thoughtful decision to retain the beloved “Fat Boy’s” moniker on the building itself.

“During the process of switching it over to Grier’s Farmer’s Market, we started getting these phone calls from people who had been shopping here for 20, 30 plus years, or came as kids and are still shopping. A lot of them were adamant about the Fat Boys name.” The ensuing conversation between loyal customers and the new ownership ultimately resulted in a harmonious compromise: the business operates as Grier’s Farmer’s Market, but the familiar “Fat Boy’s” sign proudly remains, a nod to the past and a recognition of its enduring place in the community’s heart.

But what truly sets Grier’s apart in an era of sprawling retail giants? Beyond its cherished history and local ownership, the market has strategically diversified to offer an even richer experience. To stay competitive, Grier’s has expanded beyond produce to include a wide array of plants. Andrey says that because a farmer’s market falls under the Department of Agriculture, their offerings naturally extend to anything which can be grown – from peach trees and blueberry bushes to palm trees.

The slogan, “From houseplants to palm trees,” perfectly encapsulates this expanded offering. While big box stores might carry smaller palms, Grier’s facilitates the acquisition of everything from 15-gallon specimens to impressive bare-root sable palms weighing hundreds of pounds. Andrey points out that palm trees are a natural fit for the region, with mature specimens gracing the landscapes throughout Columbus. “Palm trees are still a signature item that a lot of people look for,” he notes.

Of course, the heart of any great farmer’s market lies in its produce, and Grier’s continues to champion locally grown goodness. “Every dollar that you spend here, outside of the tax dollars that we obviously send to the state and to the city, all of that money is reinvested here. So we are truly a local farmer’s market,” he says.

Instead of purchasing generic fixtures, the racks for the vibrant flower displays were crafted using steel sourced from Jones Industrial, a local business just around the corner. The signage was produced using wood from local wood companies. Even the pallets used on the ground are sourced locally from Chattahoochee Pallets. “From wood to steel, we try to shop local,” Andrey says, “You know, it all breathes back into the community, and that’s always going to be a beautiful thing.”

As springtime awakens the gardens of Columbus, Grier’s Farmer’s Market is buzzing with activity. The hanging baskets and ferns are top sellers this time of year, Andrey notes. They offer a stunning array of colorful blooms like calibrachoa, calico, pentas, petunias, and a variety of mixed baskets. But the offerings extend far beyond ornamental plants. Fruit trees are also a popular choice, with options like peach trees, lemon trees, and plums readily available. For the adventurous homebrewer, they even carry hops. The selection continues with pomegranates, goji berries, and a wide assortment of berry bushes, including thornless varieties.

Looking ahead to the warmer months, Andrey’s enthusiasm grows. “That’s when we’re totally into our fresh fruit season,” he says. Customers can look forward to a delectable selection of peaches, from Albertas to Carored Reds and O’ Henrys, alongside a vibrant array of peppers, including habaneros, cayenne, Tabasco, and even ghost peppers and Carolina Reapers. And the pea selection expands even further, with black-eyed peas, pink-eyed peas, cream peas, crowders, and more. Pink pineapples and a variety of bananas add an exotic touch to the local bounty.

The market itself, located at 4794 Veterans Parkway, remains in the same familiar building that housed Fat Boy’s for so many years. While the spirit and commitment remain constant, the product offerings have expanded. Customers will now find a wider selection of containers, ranging from budget-friendly options to more substantial statement pieces. They also offer a variety of pots and garden tools, and year-round fruit baskets, perfect for gifting or a healthy treat.

Ultimately, Grier’s Farmer’s Market is more than just a place to buy plants and produce; it’s a vital hub nourishing both the bodies and the community spirit of Columbus. “We definitely try to put back in what we take out,” Andrey says. By prioritizing local sourcing, supporting area farmers, and reinvesting within Columbus, Grier’s ensures that every purchase contributes to the well-being of the place it calls home.

So, whether you’re a longtime patron who fondly remembers shopping at Fat Boy’s or a newcomer seeking fresh, locally sourced goods and a vibrant community atmosphere, Grier’s Farmer’s Market welcomes you. Stop by their location at 4794 Veterans Parkway, open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come and experience the enduring legacy and blossoming future of a true Columbus institution – where history is cultivated, and community continues to grow.