The timing was just right for Toni and Scott Garrett to embark on their new endeavor, the Market Fresh Produce store at 704 Manatee Ave. E.
The lease on Toni Garrett's T-shirt embroidery shop was coming up for renewal, and her husband, Scott, was laid off from his job at Chiquita Banana.
Toni wanted to relocate to another building, and Scott wanted to open a produce market.
"I was a route-salesman for Chiquita and would deliver to different produce markets," Scott Garrett said, "and I always thought I would like to do that."
For the past four to five years he has been looking for the right spot, then Chiquita closed. So with the need for a new location for Garrett Embroidery & Ink, Toni and Scott took the leap to start a produce market.
They inquired about the old Tire Kingdom building and felt it would be perfect.
"Everything just lined up," Scott Garrett said. "My dream finally is coming true."
After winning a special use permit from the Bradenton City Council on Wednesday, the Garretts will be open for business on Monday.
The Garretts are moving forward with their business plan in spite of the downturn of the economy with the help of the city of Bradenton.
They plan to offer a wide variety fruits and vegetables, along with small potted plants, in the large area behind opened garage doors where the three tire-changing bays were located.
Scott Garrett has been busy constructing wooden tables to display the produce and installing misting fans to keep it fresh.
For Toni Garrett, the relocation of her business into the space that was once the office area of the tire shop means she can share the cost of rent with her husband.
"We also can help each other out with our businesses," she said.
Working as a family has been a main reason for their success.
Their daughters, Courtney, 17, and Chelsea, 15, both Bayshore High School students, have been helping their mother for years.
They operate the embroidery machines and work with customers on their orders.
"This is good experience for a future job," said Courtney, "especially dealing with the customers."
Toni Garrett said she plans on introducing a new Destiny Apparel line of shirts that will have a religious theme.
Some of the shirts will have biblical scriptures on the back, with "Wear the Message" on the front.
The Garretts said it took about 2½ months to get the permits from the city, but working with the Planning Department was a good experience.
"Especially Ruth (Seewer, with the city Planning Department)," Toni Garrett said. "She was exceptional."
Mayor Wayne Poston said he was happy to see a new business in the old Manatee village area.
"It's exactly what we are looking for," Poston said. "Anytime we get new businesses, we try to help any way we can.
"Our goal is to say, 'Yes'," he said.
City Councilman Bemis Smith, who lives down the street from the new produce market, said the business will help in the revival of the area.
"With the work they've done in cleaning up the property," Smith said, "it's another asset to the city."
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