A striving local business has begun making its mark by starting from a small tent on the corner of SOM Center and Chardon Road to a three store, family run market.

Produce Place Market, formerly known as Sun Plum Market, was originally a school project, for the two oldest sons of the Teriaca family 12 years ago. Since then, the whole family has taken part of the business. Deb Teriaca, one of the owners, and mom to four boys said “ I enjoy the family aspect of this, knowing all of my boys can be involved, makes it more than work.”

Last winter, the family opened their second location, located in Brookpark, Ohio. Teriaca, said, “This has been an exciting opportunity to promote communities in which our businesses exist.The expansion has promoted local companies that offer unique products.”

In the spring, talk of opening a third store began to spread, and a third store located in Lyndhurst, opened. The opening of this store also brought on a name change for all three locations. Sun Plum Market became now The Produce Place, in remembrance of the sons grandfather, who was involved in the produce business. Mikayla Carbone, a cashier at the Willoughby location, and senior at Mayfield High School said “The name change really connected all three locations, where as before they were disconnected with different names.”

Not only is Produce Place a local business, but they also use local farms, and companies, as a main part of the merchandise sold, such as Grandma’s goodies, whiskey stix, and the Mustard Man. Teriaca enjoys this part of the business as she said, “ It allows us to have the opportunity to promote locally grown companies in the state of Ohio.”

As the store has expanded, so has the family of employees, consisting of cashiers, stockboys, managers, deli/bakery workers. One of the daily cashiers, Sue Cvelbar, who prior to getting a job was a frequent shopper, said, “ This market is a fun atmosphere to work and shop at.”

Produce Place is known for its close knit, welcoming atmosphere, Carbone said “ The Teriacas really try to incorporate a family like atmosphere in all of their stores, It truly does feel like a family at work.”

As Produce place expands, they continue to spread a positive attitude in all locations. Sue shared “ The owners are local as well as 3rd generation in the produce business which reflects on the quality and prices of the products.”

During the construction of the Lyndhurst location, the opening date was set back several times, due to complications/ Carbone, being partly involved with the setup, said, “Despite the setbacks, the family did everything they could to prepare the store for opening, watching it come together those last few days, made all the work worth it in the end.”

Local businesses often start off by customers being family or close friends, who help start the business, which makes a store more welcoming. Cvelbar said “ the produce that you find here, you cannot find in a chain grocery store. Everything is so unique.”

The items this market has are things most people wouldn’t expect in northeast ohio, Carbone also said “I’ve experienced, and learned about so many different types of foods from working here, and the quality is always great! I hope the expansion continues to allow for the availability of different items.”

Produce Place hopes to continue to expand, and broaden their family business to different areas in Northeast Ohio, and exploring new options for the stores.