Gritt’s Farm: Be Fresh, Grow Local, Embrace Family

Gritt’s Farm was established in 1927 and first known as the chicken & egg hotspot throughout the Kanawha Valley, raising up to 15,000 chickens at a time. Now, without a chicken in sight, Gritt’s Farm is West Virginia’s plant, produce, and experiences destination featuring hydroponic production, garden center, and special events. Currently a 3 season (spring - fall) farm, Gritt’s is growing Christmas Trees with plans to host Christmas events and offer U-cut trees in the future! While the farm’s 5th generation grows up on the farm, Bob Gritt (3rd Generation) is the owner/operator while sons Brad & Bobby (4th Generation) manage the farm and oversee crop production.

Gritt’s Farm operates a Garden Center, mobile markets, online store, and a permanent, seasonal booth at Capitol Market - a popular outdoor farmer’s market located in the heart of the state’s capital, downtown Charleston.

In this session, various team members will discuss:

• An overview of the farm’s retail operations including the Buffalo Farm, Capitol Market, and Gritt’s Farm Online Store

• Mobile markets and pop-ups

• Partnerships and collaborations

Gritt’s Farm was the first farm in West Virginia to grow hydroponic tomatoes! Learn all about Gritt’s Farm’s produce production operations from Bobby & Brad Gritt. The farm has nearly half an acre of greenhouses dedicated to hydroponic production, an acre of greenhouses dedicated to Garden Center operations, and 200 combined acres of field production between 2 farm locations (Buffalo & Leon, West Virginia).

Gritt’s Farm operates 4 food & beverage locations during its peak fall season - a food truck, bakery, lemonade stand featuring pork rinds & kettle corn, and a BBQ stand. With a new “Food Barn” location opening this year, Brad Gritt and Cecilia Barker will discuss Gritt’s Farm Food & Beverage operations, including special events, staffing, pricing, and more.

What is your brand story? How do you use it to drive traffic? Marketing Manager Alexandra Pfost will discuss her approach to marketing Gritt’s Farm with the guest experience in mind, social media & public relations best practices, and tips for using storytelling to increase brand recognition and profitability.

The experience starts as soon as guests lay eyes on your property. From signage to overall cleanliness and organization - are you well-represented? Events Team member Sherry DiNicola will discuss the importance of the guest experience from all angles - while sharing a bit of humor along the way!

You’ve focused on the guest experience, but what about your team’s experience? A happy and fulfilled team can lead to increased morale, productivity, and profitability. Plus, it’s just more fun! In this session, Marketing Manager Alexandra Pfost will dive in to all that Gritt’s Farm offers to keep employees engaged from birthday parties, scholarship funds, an employee handbook, and more.

Festivals & Events

Gritt’s Farm festivals have attracted attendees from all 50 US states! General Manager Brad Gritt & Marketing Manager Alexandra Pfost will discuss Gritt’s Farm’s festivals & special events. This session will highlight elements of their most popular festival, Gritt’s Fun Farm, summer Sunflower Festivals, and the new Spring Tulip Festival. When it’s not festival season, the farm hosts unique planting workshops, award-winning farm dinners, low country boils and more.