WindStone Farms LLC, a local purveyor of blackberry jam, has been sold to Louisville-based Algood Food Co., effective Jan. 1.
WindStone owner Billy Gatton Jones and the late Wayne Shumate oversaw the growth of the company, which got off the ground after the two began selling the jam in the 1990s.
“What’s going to happen now is these guys are going to take this little bitty company to another level,” Jones said.
Looking back Monday, Jones recalled when “the first bit of business we did was selling a year’s supply out of the trunk of my car.
“We were just having fun,” he said. “We gave most of it away for Christmas presents.”
As the business grew, the company turned to eventual buyer Algood Food, which manufactures peanut butter, jellies and preserves, for packaging.
The jam’s first retail foray came when it was picked up by Bob Slone for his supermarkets in Lexington at the time. Kroger picked it up for five stores and then 120, Jones said.
The blackberries came from Shumate’s farm, although increased demand led them to buy from other farmers. Jones bought the jam company after Shumate’s death in 2005. The farm, which continues to be owned by Shumate’s family, was not part of the sale.
The year before, Wal-Mart began selling the jam, which is now sold in 63 stores. It’s now sold in 157 Kroger, 46 Meijer and 21 Sam’s Club stores, according to WindStone. Kroger agreed recently to stock the jam in 1,251 stores from Michigan to Atlanta, GA, Jones said.
“Sometimes I have to sit down when I see a Wal-Mart purchase order come across our desk or a Kroger purchase order. It just takes you back,” he said. “When we started this thing, it was like selling violins door to door. There just wasn’t much going on.
“Now it’s a whole other operation, and it’ll be a bigger operation once these guys get their hands in it.”
WindStone’s employees will be retained by Algood, but Jones said he’s retiring. Again. He had retired from the food business in the 1990s, only to work with Shumate at WindStone.
“I love the food business, but it’s time to move on for me,” he said.
WindStone Farms, LLC Jam Company Sells to Algood Food Co.
Windstone Jams available at Windy Corner Market
Windy Corner Market and Restaurant sits north of Lexington amid some of America’s most legendary horse farms. In her newest venture, chef/owner Ouita Michel aims to create another legend with a restaurant that honors local farmers and great food.
Windy Corner uses Kentucky ingredients in their recipes, they have Kentucky foodstuffs for sale on our shelves including all Windstone Farm jams.
WindStone in New Urban Market (Shorty’s) in Lexington, KY
Lexington: Shorty’s, an Urban Market opens Sunday at 163 West Short St. in the Traditional Bank building. Shorty’s, an independently owned grocery store, carries fresh meat, produce and sundries. When its opening was announced in January, the owners said the store would offer Internet ordering and a delivery service. If the store, which will have a focus on local food, is successful here it could expand to other cities.
Downtown residents have advocated for a downtown grocery store for several years. Mayor Jim Gray will join Shorty’s general manager Darren Teodoro at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m.
A second downtown grocery was announced in March and is expected to open in May. The Town Branch Market at 233 E. Main Street will also try to focus on local foods. For example, owners plan to offer pastries baked at Lexington bakeries.
“The Loxahatchee Classic” serving up Windstone Farms Jam
This is the 2011 member/guest at the Loxahatchee Club, a Jack Nicklaus design, located in Juniper, FL.
Here, Paul O’Rourke and Bob Peterson are enjoying some Windstone Farms Jam!
Jim Brown Loves WindStone
Jim Brown #32
Taking some WindStone Farms Jam back to LA. Jim Brown #32, Cleveland Browns. Drafted in 1956 out of Syracuse scored 106 Touchdowns in his career retired at age 29 and was the 71st person voted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Pictured Left, Billy Gatton Jones, Previous Owner of WindStone Farms, and Republican Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell in support of Kentucky Proud Products.
BG and Sammy
Billy Gatton Jones, previous owner of WindStone Farms enjoys supper with his little brother, (Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America) Sammy Brinegar. They also enjoy eating WindStone Farms Blackberry and Strawberry Jam.
