Roadside farmstands dot the landscape of Will and Kankakee Counties, rural homesteads with backyard chickens, cottage bakeries, and signs boasting “farm fresh eggs” or “local honey,” with honor-system cash pay boxes — it’s an old tradition that’s part of the fabric of the heartland.
When three friends joined forces with big ideas and a passion for all things roadside farmstand goodies, sourdough, market finds, and antiques, they took that idea and put it on wheels to create a new, modern concept: a mobile, pop-up farmstand known as Barn & Bushel.
Kate Alberico, Colleen Benjamin, and Gina Fregeau got together after Benjamin had secured a tiny house trailer that had previously been used as a mobile boutique. It was painted and had shelves, but the inside was a blank canvas waiting for some unique touches.
“So, we bought it and, then that night, I started panicking because I was like ok, I have to have a plan,” Benjamin said, noting her first thought was to call in Kate for help, as she’s experienced with making tasty sourdough creations and floral arrangements.
Alberico was all in and suggested they bring in Fregeau, who also has a roadside farmstand in rural Manteno, selling eggs outside of her full-time nursing job. Fregeau was up for the challenge, and everything took off from there.
Barn & Bushel is decorated like a modern farmhouse for people to peruse. –Photo by Stephanie Irvine.
“And now we’re all doing the thing,” Alberico said, with Benjamin adding, “We came up with a plan and we just kind of figured it out as we go, really.”
The carefree nature of the trio leaves them open to all sorts of ideas, but it’s clear their passion and drive set them on a course for success.
They obtained the permit required by the Village of Manteno to participate in one of their first pop-ups, which took place outside the National Bank of Manteno. They also completed the necessary work to obtain a cottage food license, which is required by the county to sell their baked goods – a process that isn’t easy.
“Every recipe, we had to submit and get it approved,” Alberico explained, noting that even down to the labels, the language had to be precisely approved. They pointed to the sign on the wall that used the language required by the health department.
“We had to get our water tested because we’re on a well,” Fregeau added.
The mobile farmstand appears at various locations throughout Will and Kankakee Counties, most recently in Manteno and Wilmington. They explained that farmers’ markets often require a tent rental fee, and with the size of their trailer, they’d need several.
So they just decided to make it their own complete farmers’ market, all in the trailer. They’ve lucked out so far by networking with people they knew, to be invited to set up their mobile farmstand, and invitations still are coming in.
They’re sharing the wealth and love the idea of helping other local people, so instead of ordering items to sell in bulk, they have a robust selection from other local sellers. They have had chapsticks from It’s the Balm Diggity, Proclamation Flowers, Hauert Macrame, and Hodgen Honey, in addition to their Barn and Bushel freshly-baked sourdough bread, eggs, flower bouquets, and antiques. As they gain more experience, they want to add more.
The three are bursting at the seams with ideas, and it was hard to keep track of all the plans they’re considering. The tiny trailer might not contain them all, the excitement palpable in their bright eyes, and a perfectly curated and decorated trailer – it’s an idyllic, picturesque space that almost didn’t seem real.
But that’s the point. These ladies are here to do something different. They aren’t the average farmstand or one-product seller. They’re breaking down the proverbial barn doors and want their bushel spilling over.
“Our tomatoes are coming in, but they’re not ready yet. Colleen once said her vision for this is to have produce spilling out on the steps. We both had pretty big gardens and so, hopefully here soon, maybe at the next spot, we’ll have it like that,” Fregeau said.
They talked about creating grilling packages from Benjamin Livestock, allowing people to experience farm-fresh meat without having to buy a quarter or half a cow or hog, to the maximum excitement of fall decor, Christmas wreaths, and more.
Then, ideas for alternative uses of the trailer emerged, such as renting it for girls’ activities or parties, making it a perfect place to keep food cool and away from bugs. They recently hosted a girls’ night on the farm, where they painted rugs and enjoyed the versatility of the trailer.
“The sky is the limit, you know,” Alberico said. “I just think it’s fun. I feel like we’re doing it all. Yeah. It’s been fun.”
Although Alberico works full-time as a physical therapist, she said it’s an enjoyable side gig.
“We’re rolling with it,” she said, unaware of the spectacular pun she had just made with the farmstand on wheels.
It’s hard to believe that Barn & Bushel is so new, considering how well-put-together and thought-out everything is, from the trailer’s decor (most of which is for sale, sourced from estate sales and antique thrifts) to the marketing photos and the farm goods for sale.
Their pop-ups have been outrageously successful, selling out in a couple of hours, with lines of people waiting for the chance to peruse all that they have to offer. The buzz online isn’t for nothing, with a reception like that.
Check out Barn & Bushel for yourself – their next pop-up will be outside Nelly’s/Old School Brewing, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., on Monday, July 14, or if you can’t make that one, follow their Facebook page to learn where they’ll be next.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.