By Abby Wilkerson
Off a side street in Downtown Braselton, across from the historic gymnasium, sits an unassuming little red building. Depending on the season, the front porch of that little red building overflows with fresh produce and pots filled with flowers and ferns; colorful mums, pumpkins and gourds; or Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery.
Joy Co. Market calls itself a specialty grocery store; a better descriptor might be a modern general store that you would stumble upon in contemporary Mayberry. This family-owned shop specializes in high-quality, locally sourced produce, meats, milk, ready-to-cook meals, unique gourmet items and more, with a focus on Georgia-grown foods and Georgia-made products
A graphic designer of 15 years, founder Julie Joy was looking for a change of pace and career. Julie and her husband opened Joy Co. Market in 2019 and is one of the few businesses that was actually helped by the Covid-19 shutdown. While grocery store chains were running out of meat, local farmers kept Joy Co. stocked, putting the market on the map as a trusted source for local, sustainably raised beef, poultry and chicken.
As the gifting season approaches, the halls and aisles of Joy Co. will also be decked with unique gifts, décor and seasonal tastes perfect for holiday festivities. Follow Joy Co. market on Facebook for fresh delivery posts, as well as the annual visit from The Big Guy from the North Pole (“SANTA! I know him.”)
A Few of the Georgia-Based Companies featured at Joy Co. Market:
- Ally Bees
- Alumni Cookie Dough
- Atlanta Hard Cider Co.
- Burton Branbles
- Cheeky Maiden Soap Co.
- Hooch Pickle Company
- Jensen Reserve
- King of Pops
- Mady Cakes Bakery
- Pontoon Brewing
- Potts Bros. Farm
- Rock House Creamy
- T&E Dairy
- WalkerWorks Bakery