J. Goeke Produce: bigger and better

The new and improved J. Goeke Produce, celebrating five decades in NoCo

For more than 140 years, farming and produce have been the lifeblood of the Goeke family. In 1867, German immigrant Joseph Goeke began selling vegetables at St. Louis’ Union Market, a Soulard-like market that once operated at Sixth and Broadway. That same year, his brother John also entered the agricultural field, managing what the 1924 History of the Archdiocese of St. Louis called a “splendid truck garden.”

As time went on, many descendants of Joseph, John and their brother Bernard went on to work as farmers or produce vendors, including Tom Goeke, who ran the popular Herman’s Farm Orchard on Shackelford Rd, and John J. Goeke, the founder of J. Goeke Produce Outlet in Old Town Florissant.

Goeke Produce sells Randy's Famous Salsa and a growing selection of other local products.

Like his father and grandfather before him, John J. Goeke started his career as a truck farmer, selling produce out of the back of his pickup. Eventually he entered the wholesale market, serving local restaurants, and then in March 1960, he opened a retail location.

“I guess dad thought that since he had daughters, not sons, a retail store would be the best idea,” says one of Goeke’s four daughters, Karen Ormsby, who now runs the business with her sister Lynne Combest. Her father died in 2002, but his original hunch was spot on. Nearly 50 years later, the produce company that he founded is still going strong.

Just this week, Goeke’s retail store relocated a block up the road – to a much larger location at 449 St. Ferdinand in Old Town. Adding to its already impressive selection of local and non-local produce, nuts, eggs, honey, spices and baked goods, the store also plans to offer fresh, locally-produced meat from the historic Wenneman Meat Market in St. Libory, Illinois (open since 1927).

Produce & nicknacks in one convenient location

“We’re also selling Amish apple butter and local salad dressing, and we’re hoping to get meat from Swiss Sausage in Hermann,” Ormsby says. “Have you heard of it? It’s delicious!”

With its newly expanded retail space, Goeke’s can now peddle even more than just food. It can also sell you the plate to eat it on! Spearheaded by another of John Goeke’s daughters, one-third of the store has been converted into a mini antique shop, where customers can peruse charming vintage housewares and kitchen items, as well as heirloom furniture.

“We’re just trying to create a fun, unique atmosphere,” Ormsby says, noting the store’s cheery yellow walls and old-timey decor. “We also still have the wholesale business, so we sell produce to a number of North County restaurants, just like my dad used to.”

In fact, J. Goeke Produce is more successful than ever – a NoCo gem! – and I’m betting that its roomy new storefront and increasing focus on local foods will lure in even more happy customers. Maybe even you?

Goeke’s Produce: 449 rue St. Ferdinand, Florissant MO 63031; (314) 831-1931. Open Mon-Sat 8-7, Sun 9-6.

Shelves are still being stocked at Goeke's new location, which just opened on November 5th, but many gourmet goods are already on display.

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