A Pandemic-Born Artisan, East Haven Man To Open Branford Shop

BRANFORD, CT — Jonathan Hunt wants his coming-soon shop — a "farmtique" —in Branford to be such a "unique shopping experience" that it will become a "destination."

Hunt, from East Haven, will open his business, Grey Goat Farmtique, this spring at the site of the former Branford "watering hole" Libby’s Excuse Room at 11 North Branford Road.

His vision for the store includes "bringing together local craftsmen and artisans to showcase local talent while promoting shopping locally and shopping small."

To that end, the shop is currently accepting vendor applications on its website.

He hopes to have "a robust inventory" that includes metal and wood work, locally made art pieces, handmade jewelry, baby and pet items, candles, soaps, dried flowers and décor, baked good and candies, plants, and much more. Hunt said he plans to also have light catering and to "showcase" locally-roasted coffees and wines from across the state and the region.

“When creating this space, my compass is always, ‘where would I want to shop?’ I love giving unique gifts or experiences that carry a story and have thought put into them.”

Hunt, who spent the last 15 years in human services as a communications director for a leading Connecticut home care agency and as an operations officer in the mental health field, said the pandemic changed his course.

With many working from home and lacking the ability to socialize freely, Hunt began a side hobby of making handcrafted bracelets called J Beads and began selling them online and at John and
Maria’s Pizza in East Haven. Soon, as J Beads "gained a following," he sold them at One World Roasters in East Haven, Rose Winery in North Branford and Mr. D’s Bakery of Wallingford. And, then took them on the road at artisan fairs and events.

“It was incredible how many talented people I would meet, all doing what they love. It reinforced that there was a demand for these products and that a fulfilling livelihood could be sustained by
providing a venue to showcase them in,” he is quoted as saying in a news release.

After leaving the human services industry, last November, he embarked on creating Grey Goat Farmtique.

He found the site, and started renovations. His plan is to open this spring.

“I am humble enough to know what I don’t know and for those things, I lean on my network. I have been fortunate enough to have met many incredible, talented and intelligent small business professionals over the years, all whom have been instrumental in my being able to take on such a massive undertaking,” he said.

On Grey Goat Farmtique's Facebook and Instagram accounts, one can follow progress on the shop.