The
Back Home Market & Cafe at the Supplement Station is located at 1139 Pidgeon Rd. in Salem. They are also the new location of the Salem Farmer's Market - now the "Back Home - Farmer's & Maker's Market". The cafe' has a farm-to-table focus with homemade fare sure to delight your palate. The market features products made by local craftsmen and is always expanding with interesting and unusual items.
Owners and sisters, Kelli Miller and Kristi Johnson, answered some questions about how COVID-19 impacted their business, and how they moved from survive to thrive.
Q: How has COVID-19 impacted your business?
A: Foot traffic has slowed considerably and sales have dropped off slightly. Our supply chain has been problematic. Demands on the health industry in the early spring have resulted in shortages with several items. We have remained open but have made many changes to deal with the pandemic.
Q: What were some of the first things you had to do to adapt, stay safe, and maintain business?
A:
Changed traffic flow and staff – initially we altered hours, closed to foot traffic, and served customers curbside, drive up window or during courtesy hour for at risk individuals. We offered free local deliveries as well. Also, we implemented additional cleaning and sanitizing protocols.
During this time, we have completed an outdoor seating area and opened a walk-up window to better serve our customers in a properly social distanced environment.
Q: What was your top priority as you considered how to adapt?
A: Offering safe, high quality and consistent food, vitamins and supplements in an environment that is safe for customers and staff.
Q: What part of your business has been most challenging to adapt?
A:
The
Café – we lost seating, made a move to outdoor seating, along with additional safety protocols.
Supplement ordering – we had to locate alternate sources for hard to find items.
Q: What change has your business benefited from the most?
A: We used the opportunity to expand outdoor spaces and experiment with a drive up window.
Big picture- reminded us of our need to adapt, change and persevere in difficult and changing environments.
Q: Are there any changes that have modified your business model that you plan to maintain going forward?
A:
Maintain and likely expand drive up/walk-up window and use of outdoor space.
Q: What are your current operating hours and protocols?
A:
Hours of Operation:
Monday 9am-6pm
Tuesday/Wednesday 9am-5pm
Thursday/Friday/Saturday 9am-8pm
Frequent hand washing, sanitizing between customers, provide hand sanitizer, employees mandated/customers encouraged to wear face masks.
Q: How do people find you online?
Our website is currently under construction. Facebook and Instagram are updated daily.
Q: As a business owner in Salem, what message would you like the Salem community to hear?
A:
Our goal is to provide quality products in an environment that is focused on safety and exemplary customer service. We are striving to create a unique shopping and café experience which contributes to the overall well-being of our customers and the local community.
Thank you to the Back Home Market & Cafe' for maintaining a presence
for health and wellness in the Salem community!
