Nestled on a country road, just a bit west of Collingwood, lies a little gem of a country market.
One could easily drive past. It is unassuming but quaint on the outside. But inside Ravenna Country Market waits a feast of pretty colours, thoughtful gifts, sumptuous homemade pies, steaming soups, and heaping sandwiches to fill the hungry shopper’s appetite.
Owner Roy Genoe and his partner Monica Wolf have backgrounds that are surprisingly unrelated to running a busy and successful market.
Roy was in construction and Monica was a farrier. While I understand construction I do admit to having to google farrier. The definition I found was “a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming and balancing of horses’ hooves and the placing of shoes on their hooves, if necessary. A farrier combines some blacksmith’s skills with some veterinarian’s skills to care for horses’ feet.” As I said, pretty much unrelated to their current business.
So just how does someone in construction, and a farrier, end up owning a market?
“We were out for dinner one night and someone approached us and suggested we should buy the Ravenna Country Market as it was for sale” says Roy. The idea raised eyebrows but not interest.
However a year later, as the owners had moved on and it was sitting empty, Roy and Monica decided to have their realtor look into the situation. “The next thing you know we were signing on the bottom line” Roy laughs. “That was 13 years ago.”
Roy’s brother was a “40-year fine dining French cook” and he came along for the ride making soups and entrees. As well Roy has since hired “another 40-year fine dining French cook.” Chef Paul has been with them now for over six years.
At lunchtime the paninis and soups are flying out the door. “The boys”, as Roy refers to his cooks, make frozen entrees like lasagna, shepherds pies, chicken pot pies, and chicken cacciatore. Glutton-free and vegetarian options are also available. Fresh pies, tarts and fudge top the dessert choices.
The shelves are lined with rows of Country Cottage North brand sauces, Heritage Lane herbs and spices, Good Grief whole bean coffees, a selection of Iced Honeys, and even Georgian Bay Naturals pet treats. And there’s gift ideas galore like PJs, scarves and mugs.
Check it out and you’ll be raving about Ravenna!
Ravenna Country Market
495972 Grey County Road #2
Ravenna
N0H2E0
Hours:
Monday to Saturday 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Sunday 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Phone: 519.599.2796
