DRIPPING SPRINGS — About two years ago, Jennifer Cabela and her family started Home Grown from her love of gardening and raising her own food; now, she is opening up a storefront in the heart of Dripping Springs to be able to serve more of the local community, while also supporting other farmers and vendors.
“We ended up with more than enough and decided to start sharing in many ways and we gradually, through growth and expansion, became part of the small local farming community,” Cabela said. “We've kind of become this [Community Supported Agriculture] farm and where we have this business of distributing not only our products, but other farmers' products to the community.”
There are similar businesses that are doing the same as Home Grown in neighboring areas, such as Austin and Johnson City, but Cabela said she applauds that because it’s all about supporting local farmers’ success.
“We feel everyone should support their local farmers, whether us or someone else. The food is fresher, cleaner and better for you than what one would find at a big box store,” she said. “When one buys from a local farmer, not only are they supporting that farmer, but many of the other local businesses that that farmer buys supplies from.”
There is a variety of items that both the storefront and online store will offer.
Home Grown Farm and Ranch produces eggs, chicken, fruits and vegetables. Cabela’s daughter-in-law owns Evangeline’s Gluten Free Bakery, which uses organic and non-GMO ingredients and is in a 100% gluten-free kitchen.
Eggs and baked goods are currently available by pre-order for Home Grown’s Wednesday drops at the store and other drop sites in town only. Those items are not retailed at the store as the business undergoes obtaining the licensing to retail those items, Cabela said. Additionally, Home Grown does act as a delivery agent for dairy, but will not retail the milk, as that will always be pre-order and drop only.
Other items for retail at the store include:
• Chicken, fruit and vegetables from Home Grown Farm and Ranch
• Pasta from Pasta One Two Three
• Pork from Wild Acres Farms
• Cheese from Lira Rossa
• Hummus and charcuterie boards from The Happy Grazer
• Coffee from Sky Roasters
• Seafood from Texas Wild Seafood
“We also have other clean, organic home, bath and body products as well as gift items available,” Cabela said, who added that the vendor list is being added to daily. “We carry organic herb, fruit and vegetable transplants from Gabriel Valley Farms, as well as one we start ourselves, and non-GMO seeds from Bentley Seed Co. for DIYers.”
Home Grown’s first drop at the new store will be from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 2800-B US 290 Suite 7, Dripping Springs. Hours of operation for the new business will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. It will be closed Sunday and Monday.
While a ribbon-cutting/grand opening ceremony has not been scheduled yet, Home Grown will be open to the public beginning Feb. 12.
“Once we are up and running, everything in store will be available on our website for our drops as well. Right now we just have the farm items for drops and deliveries. We do encourage people to stop by and say, ‘Hello’ every now and then even if they can't come to the store every week to pick up a pre-order. It’s nice to put a face to a name,” Cabela said. “We still have a lot of work to do to transition the space from a lash salon to a farm store, but we are working fast and furious.”
Stay up-to-date on Home Grown at www.homegrown777.com or www.facebook.com/homegrownfarmranch.
“It’s really been a true gift to be a part of the local community in Dripping Springs and to provide healthier options and something people want,” Cabela said.
