Flowers, farm fresh produce all season long at Kate’s Country Cousins

LANCASTER- In operation since 2003, Kate’s Country Cousins is a family run business from beginning to end. Kate Jurek works hard every day- all season long- to provide her customers with the best selection of produce, flowers, and other unique items created by local area craftsmen.

Jurek, who is the owner of Kate’s Country Cousins, doesn’t do it all by herself, though. She has the help of her cousins and her 92-year-old Uncle Eddie who have helped her make Kate’s Country Cousins a place in Lancaster known for its fresh and homemade products.

Coming from a long line of farmers, you could say Jurek’s passion for country life dates back to her grandmother who started Busy Bee Farm, located on Genesee Street, around the early 1900’s. Jurek’s father eventually purchased the farm and she grew up working on the farm.

Eventually, Jurek purchased a home, located right across from her “future store,” and opened her own produce stand.

“So, I started selling produce out of that and then this property was put up for sale,” said Jurek. “I bought it and the venture started. So, we actually started with nothing. We built the business, the building, and the greenhouses.”

The store offers a great selection of flowers including perennials, annuals, and hanging baskets.

“Our hanging baskets are gorgeous,” remarked Jurek. “We sell quite a few hanging baskets just because they are unique.”

Jurek added that all the fresh fruit and vegetables come from Tower Orchards in Youngstown. Customers can stop by and purchase for instance some delicious crispy apples, succulent peaches, sweet blueberries, juicy nectarines or plums. And of course, no summer season would be complete without sweet corn. Yummy!

In the fall, the store is filled with fall produce such as pumpkins and squash, as well as beautiful mums, corn stalks and straw to decorate with.

“We have actually what you call monster mums,” commented Jurek. “They’re unbelievable.”

Inside the store customers will find a lot of one-of- kind local items such as Amish made rugs, Barrett Brothers Kettle Corn, Jake & Amos products, pure New York maple syrup, and handmade wooden lawn furniture by Attica resident Dick LeFort.

“I like to keep local stuff in this area,” remarked Jurek. “A lot of people don’t have a store front to put their items in so I try to help out and it diversifies my business.”

Also located on the property is an ice cream parlor, offering about 30 flavors of Perry’s Ice Cream as well as custard, customers are welcomed to sit down, take a break, and enjoy a tasty cone.

Jurek said they make their own waffle cones and all the fruit toppings are fresh. There are also ice cream specials offered everyday of the week.

“I think people enjoy coming here for ice cream with the kids because it is a country atmosphere,” commented Jurek. “They can play on the grass or swing on the swings.”

Over the years, Jurek said her customers have become like a big family to her and she enjoys being able to get to know them and watch their families grow, but above all else she really appreciates their support.

“Without them I wouldn’t be here,” she said. “I want to keep my customer base, I want to keep them happy, and I want them to be happy with my products. That’s the way I have always been doing it.”

When the holiday season rolls around, Kate’s Country Cousins offers a large selection of Christmas trees and even free tree delivery.

“People come every year for their tree so it is like you’re part of their Christmas,” remarked Jurek.

Adding onto to her busy schedule, Jurek also makes wreaths for the store and also makes them to help with fund-raising efforts for local baseball and softball teams, and local churches.

“It is a lot of hard work but it is self rewarding,” said Jurek. It is a lot of hard work to make sure your customers are happy, but I always try to do my best.”

Kate’s Country Cousins, located at 6148 Broadway, in Lancaster, is opened from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week. To contact the store call 685-4842.