LEWISBURG (WVDN) – As you drive south into Lewisburg from the interstate be sure to glance down into Montwell Commons, a great food experience is tucked into the urban landscape. Amy’s Market and Hill and Holler pizza and tap room work together to provide a food experience like no other.
Amy’s serves breakfast and lunch until 3 p.m.; then desserts from 3-8 .p.m are the focus to complement the afternoon and evening menu of Hill and Holler.
Amy Mills first opened Cakes and Cones in downtown Lewisburg and flourished for 4 and a half years on Court Street until the pandemic came to town.
“We were closed only three days,” says Mills. However, the change in the retail food environment caused her to consider a business plan adjustment.
So, two years ago Mills chose to move to Montwell Commons and open a full-service local food stand and restaurant that included the popular ice cream and desserts that were sold at Cakes and Cones.
“It is part of our lease to offer a farmers market service along with our business,” says Mills.
Montwell Commons, a non-profit organization, had always aimed to have a farmers market on its grounds, and Mills was happy to fulfill the requirement.
“We changed our business model and offered take-out meals and car service,” said Mills in reaction to both the COVID-19 pandemic precautions and the ample parking lot offered at Montwell.
Visible from the parking is a menu sign on the porch with phone number for ordering. If you want to come inside, there is indoor seating, outdoor seating on the back deck and along the porch out front.
The pastries and ice cream are exceptional. Mills, who is the former executive pastry chef for the Greenbrier Sporting Club, is an artist with her sweet creations.
Inside there is shopping for local produce, and everything that can be sourced is displayed.
“We are expecting fresh corn from Hill Produce off Houfnaggle Road. We will also use the corn in our corn salad and corn chowder,” says Mills regarding what’s next on the shelves and menu.
The list of local and West Virginia producers featured at Amy’s Market is long, and the inventory varies with the season of harvest.
The market features meats from Caring Acres Farm of Lewisburg and Spring Creek Superior Meats of Renick (lamb is coming soon). Over a dozen vendors currently stock the Market shelves, and Mills is interested in adding more.
“We are always open to new sources. I try to support other farms as they come to us,” she says.
On the shelves, jams, jelly, and salsa sit next to three honey producers and Daniels Maple Syrup are there to complement your choices of ingredients for fresh farm produce.
The Market also offers soaps, lotions, and bug spray T&L Fruits and Vegetables from Caldwell, while grits and cornmeal come from Arbaugh Farm near Alderson.
The Market also features fudge from Momma Faye’s Confections in Maxwelton, Cherry River Roasting Co. coffee from Richwood, Oliverio’s pasta and pizza sauce from Clarksburg, and Charlottesville pasta from Valentine.
“We have local duck and chicken eggs. Also, Cheryl Nunley’s Bella Beans of Frankford makes biscuits for our bakery,” says Mills.
Going forward, Amy’s Market is looking for stability in staffing. They have a dozen employee positions. Summer help is headed back to school and Mills is working as her own line cook and baker right now – she prefers to just be the baker.
So, if you are looking for a sweet position in a stellar foodie hangout there are staff openings. Also, if you have tomatoes for sale, drop in and talk to Mills about placing your produce on her Market shelves.
