Feature
Maw’s Produce Roadside Shop Offers Friendly Atmosphere, Local Products The staff at Maw’s Produce
seek to make their customers feel welcomed and valued while producing friendships that have spanned many years. This is clearly evident in the long list of those receiving their monthly mailing, the repeat customers that span several states and the many vendors who contribute to the ambiance and charm of the business through a lifelong partnership. Locals have likely driven down N.C. 105 in Foscoe and seen the sign for Maw’s Produce shop along the road. The savvy shopper will indeed find food that has been grown (usually locally) including a variety of fruits and vegetables, cakes, pies, frozen meals,
Above: Karen McCard is known as the “Peanut Queen” at Maw’s Produce. Right: Maw’s Produce is located on N.C. 105 in Foscoe. Photos by Barbara Holdcroft
22 | July-August 2021
cheeses, “Shindig Rolls,” sauces, jams and jellies, to name a few. Additionally, the upstairs of the shop displays homemade items such as children’s clothing, knitting, quilts, decorative woodwork, jewelry, pottery and paintings. The business concept was developed by Danny Kirkland, owner of LettUs-Produce — a larger wholesale operation that supplies produce to over 100 resorts, restaurants and grocery stores in Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties. He wanted to develop a retail outlet as a complement to the business and tapped his newly retired mother, Sue Kirkland, to operate the shop in 1995. The shop was run by Sue from that first location in 1995 until her death in January 2020. During that time she also served on the Board of Grandfather Home for Children and was
Brenda Jackson serves as the manager of Maw’s Produce.
an elder and deacon of her Presbyterian church. Now her daughter-in-law Jackie Kirkland is involved in the bookkeeping for both Maw’s and Lett-Us-Produce, as well as being the supplier of the pies that are sold there. Since its first small outdoor stand near Foscoe Mining, its popularity grew quickly and has moved locations four times. Manager Brenda Jackson says that the business is still growing, but that the current location across from the Salvation Army on N.C. 105 seems “to fit” with the size of their parking lot and their facility. They have been at their present address since 2000. Over time, Maw’s has proaawmag.com
