Smucker Farms
First, apologies for the lack of posting lately. I am trying my best to get back on track, starting with this quick post looking in at Smucker Farms, recently opened at 14th and W.
It was great to stop in and see fresh, good quality produce, meat, milk, cheese, and even local coffee. There is also a good spread of jams, sauces, soup mixes, and some delicious looking ice cream and whoopie pies that I pulled myself away from. Not surprisingly, the prices are a little high – I definitely raised my eyebrow a bit at $8 loaves of bread – which come from Lyon Bakery.
I think, given that it’s winter and they just recently opened, the stock was a little sparse. I assume they plan on having more stuff as the seasons allow. I will reach out to the owner to ask what else they plan to stock, and update the post when I hear back.
U Street Girl 
December 5, 2011 at 9:41 am
I love the idea of Smucker Farms, but the execution leaves much to be desired. Prices, as noted, are very high. Understandable given the concept, but that means Smucker Farms has to offer a reason to shop. With a Yes market across the street, the U Street open air market down the block on Saturdays much of the year, and Whole Foods an easy walk away, “organic” and “fresh” are not going to be enough. This store is going to have to merchandise in a way that draws shoppers to make that special trip — provide something that I can’t get elsewhere in the neighborhood. I wish them the best, but their work is cut out for them.
December 5, 2011 at 9:45 am
I agree. They also have competition from Cork Market – which has great gourmet food, also with premium prices.
December 5, 2011 at 10:15 am
It’s frustrating to visit the store. I understand that the costs of opening and running a business are high, but prices need to be affordable. Right now, Smucker Farms is not affordable. Sorry, but throwing around the words “organic” and “local” just doesn’t cut it. They place a premium on top of a premium–these things already cost a lot of money at Yes and Whole Foods, so why is it that I should give you even more than these other businesses are asking?
There are plenty of people in this neighborhood who can barely make rent. The products they are selling are not different enough to warrant the kind of money they are asking. This is not Chevy Chase or the Palisades.
December 5, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@Brian: Retail rents around here are sky high and the economies of scale thing is not working in their favor. I’m sure it’s a challenge to make it “affordable.”
That said, while there are lots of people who can “barely make rent” in this neighborhood, there are also many who make pretty good coin, too. I hope enough of them support Smucker Farms.
December 6, 2011 at 8:47 am
[…] Isn't Cheap: U Street Girl peaks into the new gourmet food shop, Smuckers Farm, that's located on 14th and W Street NW. The […]
December 6, 2011 at 6:28 pm
I disagree with most of the posters. We bought a reasonably priced cabbage for $1.50 yesterday and it was excellent. The owner explained that the inventory was low due to the large number of people visiting during the opening week.
I’m thrilled to see them in the neighborhood. They opened at an opportune time when I am looking for an alternative to the 14th & U Farmers’ Market, which is closed for the winter. I’m looking forward to Smucker Farms continued growth.
December 22, 2011 at 11:25 am
[…] New grocer Smucker Farms open at 2118 14th St: First look at Smucker Farms. […]
December 30, 2011 at 9:22 am
[…] new business on U street: Smucker Farms. While a few of us voiced some disappointment with their opening, I think the store has great potential, is a great idea, and I look forward to continue shopping […]