Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Ambrose
Hi Barbara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Pete Ambrose began shrimping in 1967, he expanded into farming on Wadmalaw Island in ’76. Farmer Pete and wife Babs, have always lived with the land, worked the soil and waterways, bringing the Lowcountry’s bounty to residents and visitors alike. Originally, they offered their fresh seafood and produce at their U-Pick farm stand on Wadmalaw. The couple dreamed of bridging the “farm to table” gap by opening a store in a more densely populated area.
In ‘89 the Ambrose’s found a historic agricultural building that would allow them to bring their dreams to fruition. During the purchase it was found, in the chain of title, the property was once owned by The Seaboard Air Line Railroad (SAL). In 1916 SAL expanded its services from Charleston to Savannah and built all but two of the produce sheds that sat near its tracks on Main road. Later, more local farmers built close to the tracks so they could easily ship produce to other markets. The name Stono Market was a tribute to the historic Stono Depot once located on the property.
The Café evolved from Babs’ love for cooking and demands of hungry nearby tomato packing shed employees, hence the name Tomato Shed Café. In ’91 Babs began making lunches that utilized the fresh, local and seasonal ingredients she was selling in the market. Babs’ farm-to-table specials quickly became popular to the island’s residence. In 2008 Tomato Shed Café was named Charleston’s Lunch Counter of The Year by the Post and Courier. News traveled about the Cafe and drawing folks from surrounding islands and towns.
In 2003 Pete and Babs’ daughter, Barbara joined the family business. She found her niche in the gift shop and specialty grocery areas. The new ideas and growth came with an expansion of 750 sq. ft. of retail space in 2007. In 2013 Barbara became the 2nd generation owner of Stono Market & Tomato Shed Café. Babs retired in ’14 and Barbara remains loyal to her parents’ vision. Our goal is to offer fresh local produce and seafood, jellies and jams, one of a kind locally made artisan goods, specialty grocery items, delicious meals all in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have seen our fair share of challenges and obstacles. Farming and shrimping has it’s own set of challenges with pests, disease, extreme weather events, irrigation, and equipment. Separately the restaurant and market has some of the same and other hurdles. Product sourcing, refrigeration issues, employee turnover and shortages, food costs, customer demands, health and safety regulatory changes, technology upgrades and changes and competition to name a few.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The Stono Market specializes in LOCAL. We sell anything we can get our hands on that’s made locally and if it’s made on Johns Island and surrounding low country that makes it even better. We sell local produce, jellies and jams, honey, raw milk, eggs, coffee, rice, grits, wine, gift items, home décor, local artisan goods and much more. We are known for having a wide array of local and unusual products. You can’t find the items we have at any regular grocery store. The Tomato Shed Café has been serving Farm to Table, since before it was the cool thing to do. Farm to table was our family’s lifestyle and as a child I had no idea everyone did not live that way. I grew up on 60 acres where my father farmed produce, raised livestock and chickens and he also was a commercial shrimper. My family always ate what was in season and available. Now I get to share a little of my childhood with every customer.
I’m so proud of the community that we are a part and getting to share our community with others. The community that surrounds us offers a positive connection with people that have shared values, culture and initiatives. We get to be a part of the bigger picture by supporting local people that in turn support us. We all get to share our wonderful corner of the world through other experiences shopping and dining with us.
I think our combination of the unique ambiance, distinctive menu specials, our focus on local products, and our exceptional customer service set us apart.
What matters most to you?
Family matters to me most because it provides me with a foundation of unconditional love and support. My family offers me a safe space when learning valuable life lessons and I can rely on them during challenging times to support me.
Pricing:
- Lunches Range from $10 to $20
- Supper Ranges from $13 to $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stonomarket.com
- Instagram: stonomarketandtomatoshedcafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StonoMarket
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stono-market-and-tomato-shed-cafe-johns-island-2
