Economic Development at the Farmers Market

Durham’s Pit BBQ is a thriving local restaurant in London and it all began at the London Laurel County Farmers Market.  Brandon Durham was a market vendor who produced and sold the typical farmers market vegetables.  The Farmers’ Market Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit allowed Brandon upon completion of his food manager training program to cook prepared ready to eat BBQ at the market.  Brandon utilized the Laurel County Extension Commercial Kitchen located at the farmers market facility to offer pulled pork sandwiches, chips and a drink on Saturday mornings and special events. The next year Brandon began Durham’s Pit BBQ food truck. The food truck was a staple at the Saturday market and special events till Brandon leased a small retail store on the outskirts of town.  Several restaurants had used the location and moved out as they closed their doors.  Brandon constructed a small carport at the end of the building to home his cooker and smoker.  He utilized the connections he made at the farmers market to source fresh local ingredients and hardwood firewood to fuel his smoker.  Brandon has since leased the two retail spaces next to his restaurant and expanded to include seating for 25 customers and has 12 full and part-time employees.