The Sickles family’s steadfast focus on a simple philosophy - to provide customers with the very best quality products found anywhere, and service to match – has transformed a small farm stand in Little Silver into the nationally recognized specialty food market it is today. And while the business itself is only 100 years old, its sits on land bestowed to the Sickles family under the King’s Land Grant program in the 1660s. Sickles Market remains on that same property in one of New Jersey’s most affluent neighborhoods. Its ability to survive and thrive is due to a combination of hard work, dedication to the family heritage, and a willingness to serve the community.
In 1908, current owner Bob Sickles’ grandfather began farming the ancestral property where Bob’s Dad, Bob Sickles Sr., 80, still grows prized blackberries and raspberries. Bob Sr., who also farms vegetables on nearby leased property, is known for his green thumb and his lush, delicious and highly perishable berries, as well as other Jersey grown produce. His crops continue to draw serious home cooks, restaurant and catering chefs - and personal chefs of the area’s many rich and famous - to the market
A fire burned the seasonal farm stand in 1983 and the future of Sickles Market was in peril. But the family rallied and did not fall to development as so many independent farms have in New Jersey. They rebuilt a larger bigger building and continued on a growth track. As a result the family decided to build an even larger building that exists today and in 1998 Sickles Market opened as a year round specialty food market featuring the very best produce and garden center. Many advances have occurred including the highly recognized cheese counter, fine gifts, cut flowers and a loyalty gift card program. Today it is a nationally recognized award-winning third generation owned and independent operated market.
Whether it is 1908 or 2008, one phenomenon continues to separate Sickles Market from other markets. It’s the result of a steadfast family commitment: to treat their customers with genuine care. As a result, generations of customers have come to think of Sickles Market as an extension of their home. Customers know that Bob can be seen in the store as he moves about adjusting a stack of tomatoes or bidding a cheery hello to customers. His Dad can be found outdoors on one of his several tractors that he has rebuilt. Ted, Bob’s brother, who is the garden center’s self-taught nursery horticulturist, is often seen fielding customers’ gardening questions. A trip to Sickles puts the “Ah” into a harried day as people poke around and explore what’s new at the market.
It’s also what prompts an often overheard comment from customers: “I don’t know what I would do without Sickles.” It’s what fans call becoming “Sickle-ized.”
“Sickles creates a unique world with the freshest and best produce, prepared foods, great meats, a large selection of exotic imported and domestic specialty items,” observed John Roberts, former president of National Association of Specialty Food Trade and current president of Blackpoint Management, Inc., a consultant agency to the specialty food industry.
As an independent operation, Sickles Market plays an important role to its vendors too, particularly when it comes to providing shelf space for emerging specialty products, said Roberts. “As a result, Consumers get the best of the best, and new companies get access to an alert and receptive market.”
Once such a product passes Bob’s personal quality test, it can be made available to customers almost immediately, That’s much different from giant chain supermarkets, where a long and time-consuming chain-of-command delays or even prevents the introduction of new and unique products. Sickles customers, who are smart, affluent and food savvy, appreciate the opportunity to enjoy these unique products and trust Sickles to select and recommend only the best for their shelves. They rely on the Sickles buyers’ discerning tastes and selections. And those skills have earned Sickles Market’s national awards, including:
• 2007 Outstanding Retailer - National Association of Specialty Food Trade
• 2006 Top 100 Revolutionary Garden Centers for -Today’s Garden Center
• 2004 Innovator of the Year Award - Garden Center Management & Merchandising Magazine
But while the awards recognize the quality of products and service offered at Sickles, there is another measure of success for Bob and his crew: the satisfaction of contributing to the community in which they live and work. An expression of this genuine care is the market’s continued charitable endeavors including being a sponsor of the Two River Antique and Garden Tour since its inception. In addition to responding to as many donation requests as feasibly possible, since 2004, Sickles Market has held an annual fundraising event in the greenhouse. This Annual Wine and Cheese Tasting and Fundraiser benefits Holiday Express, a local charity that brings holiday cheer and necessary goods to people in need. To date, the event has raised an amazing total of $256,000.
During its 100th Anniversary year, Sickles Market has several celebrations planned. The first, beginning in March, will be an exhibit at the market that chronicles the history of the store and its contributions to local farming, gardening, home cooking and entertaining. This will include a time line that traces the evolution of Sickles Market and includes photos and memories provided by customers and other fans.
Next up will be a series of collaborative food events between Sickles Market and area food venues, including David Burke Fromagerie of Rumson and other excellent local restaurants.
Additional events will begin in the spring and we will provide updates as they occur. To view Sickles Market Garden Center, follow this link:"
http://www.sicklesmarket.com/
