Mohegan Farm Market Opens

On a hot summer day, children in Mohegan Lake are in search of a refreshing snack. Where can they go? The brand new Mohegan Lake Farm Market.

There, they choose from a variety of fresh, organic fruits and wash off a peach in the nearby sink, nestled discretely beyond the register. The healthy piece of produce is placed on a scale and rings up less than 35 cents.

Affordable and nourishing treats such as these are plentiful in the quaint new store, located at 3144 E. Main St.

Part-owner Ferhun Ognuc says he opened the store because there wasn't anything like it in the area. Not only did he see a need for this type of store, his business partner, Kasim Asma, has previously owned similar businesses in other locations. Ognuc and Asma, both from Turkey where they were national bicyclists, have been friends for about 38 years before opening this new market together.

The Mohegan Farm Market works like any other, selling produce from local farmers in the area. Some of the produce also comes from New Jersey. The store offers organic fruits and vegetables, milk, organic eggs and juices, natural nuts and oil.

Mohegan Lake Farm Market now stands in place of an old gas station on the well-traveled Route 6. Nearby the market is competition like A&P and Shop Rite. Ognuc says what sets his store apart from the large chain food stores is his selection of organic produce. 

"We have more organic options," he said. "These options will continue to grow."

Ognuc also plans to build his store's relationships with local farmers, to help both them and the store grow.

So far, the business has been open for about a week and has averaged almost 100 customers a day. The customer base ranges from people of all ages to people from neighboring towns.

"This is more than expected," Ognuc said. "We'll find out how the economy will effect our business in time."

First-time customer Jennifer Barnes said she found out about the market when she was driving by on Route 6 and noticed its large signs and colored flags.

During her first stop, Barnes pulled up in front of the store, parked, and was in and out with her purchases in a few minutes. This is another perk.

 During her brief visit, she asked questions about the origins of the produce.

 "It's good that the produce is coming from local farmers and New Jersey," Barnes said. "It's great to support locally, so that struck my interest."

She added that she plans to come back to the store a few more times before she makes it a routine or suggests it to others.

"I'll come back and weigh the prices and quality of the food," Barnes said. "If I continue to be satisfied, I'll keep returning."

Ognuc said a lot of his customers have come in curious about the store.

"A lot of people are interested in what the business has to offer and have given positive feedback," he said. "We'll find out what people like about this place, and if it's successful, possibly open another location in Westchester."