Freund’s Market Continues to Expand

By Colleen Gundlach

Anyone who hasn’t paid a recent visit to Freund’s Farm Market in East Canaan is in for a surprise. First came additional parking around the back of the property and the installation of a second driveway, creating a one-way traffic flow. Now, displays of perennials for sale have been added along the drive.  At this time of year, both the greenhouses and grounds are bursting with color.

The big change at Freund’s, however, is less noticeable because it is occurring one floor above the store. The formerly tiny kitchen is being renovated and expanded because Freund’s is as renowned for Theresa Freund’s cooking as it is for the wide variety of vegetable, flowers and other garden gems. 

Freund, who is affectionately known as Mama T, is the chef behind the dazzling array of baked goods (pies, scones, coffee cakes) and the prepared foods such as lasagna, pot pies, and soups. She said the food section began because of customer requests. “Whenever a customer asks for something I don’t have, I usually try to make it and have it ready for next time,” she said. “I am customer driven. I have made many changes in the business based on customer requests.”

Freund and her husband Matt started their business as a roadside stand on Route 44.  When their first child was born in 1984, they decided that having a business with a toddler on the side of the road was not a good idea and moved to a two-bay barn with no doors a bit farther from the road.  

“We basically only sold sweet corn at this point,” Freund said, but it wasn’t long before they expanded again.  

After child number two in 1987, they enclosed the barn and started selling tomatoes and corn. Their season and offerings expanded on a gradual basis—until Covid hit. “People were unable to buy yeast, lettuce, toilet paper and flour, I opened to be able provide these,” said Freund. I would buy 50-pound bags of flour and repackage it. I sold yeast in zip lock bags. We became like a Northwest Corner bodega.”

The first greenhouse came in 1993, followed a year later by the market building itself, constructed with wood from Falls Village Sawmill. This year the family is proudly celebrating 30 years in the market building.

“Each time we changed the market, it was because another child had come along,” said Freund. “and we were focused on keeping them safe and away from the road.” The couple has four children and all, now grown, perform vital tasks to keep the business growing.  Their youngest daughter, Rachel, is now a partner in the business, after having been an employee for 22 years.

The current focus on the kitchen will allow “Mama T” to more easily manage the high volume of food she and her assistants process each day. In addition to the prepared foods and baked goods sold in the market store, she also caters several events each month, including private parties, baby showers, Bar Mitzvahs and wedding receptions. If someone wants 100 gluten-free cupcakes, Mama T makes them. 

The Freunds are adding eight feet to the front of the market on the second floor and another 12 by 30-foot expansion toward the greenhouse. Most of the space will be used to store items such as the canning jars that Freund buys by the pallet. 

“Lots of people want to be cooks,” said Freund, “But this kind of work requires strict attention to detail, especially focused on food safety.” 

What is next for the Freund Farm Market? 

“Ten years ago, I said I should simplify, but that hasn’t happened,” said Freund.  

In the meantime, Freund’s Farm Market is expanding and even more beautiful than ever, with a wider selection of baked goods and freshly prepared foods. “It’s not like someone told us how to do this job,” says Freund.  We just try to do what makes people happy and provide a service to the community.”

To learn more about Freund’s Farm Market, go to freundsfarmmarket.com.