By Margot C. Lester, Staff Writer
“The pickles must be out of the jar,†quipped Orange County Board of Commissioners Chair Valerie Foushee as she called to order the groundbreaking ceremony for the Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing Center in Hillsborough last Wednesday.
The food-centric remark got a laugh from the crowd of almost 80 on hand at 500 Valley Forge Road, the site of what will be a $1.2-million, 10,400-square-foot commercial kitchen for farmers and food entrepreneurs, particularly those within a 75-mile, 22-county radius. The center will open in March to the delight of local food-preneurs.
“We know that there are some food entrepreneurs who travel to Asheville to utilize the processing center at Asheville-Buncombe Tech, and we are continually taking phone inquiries form new prospects,†said Brad Broadwell, director of Orange County Economic Development. “In our initial feasibility study I believe there were over 40 respondents who said they would utilize this facility.â€
A few of them were in the crowd, including Richard Holcomb, owner of Coon Rock Farm, and Zely & Ritz restaurant. Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens was beaming. “We’re one of the few counties with a growing number of farms, thriving farmers’ markets and restaurants using local items. This facility provides a missing link to an important sector of our local economy. What a delight to have it in the happening town of Hillsborough.â€