Millport Dairy, the first authentic Amish-owned store in the five boroughs, opened on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The store is managed by John Stoltzfoos, an Amish man, who commutes six hours each day between Manhattan and his family’s farm in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Stoltzfoos relies on a hired driver to transport him and a truckload of fresh goods to the store, as the Amish are not allowed to drive cars or operate most modern technology. The store offers a variety of farm-to-city-to-table products, including meats, dairy, baked goods, and organic eggs, which have been popular with customers at New York City’s farmers’ markets for over 18 years.
Stoltzfoos decided to open Millport Dairy after feeling limited by the restrictions placed on him by GrowNYC when selling at farmers’ markets. Together with the farm’s owner and his uncle, John King, he began searching for a suitable storefront. The store provides a more stable and convenient way for Stoltzfoos to sell his products, as he no longer has to set up and take down his market stand in various weather conditions. Customers have been pleased with the store’s offerings, such as organic eggs, butter, cheeses, meats, and baked goods, all of which are horse-powered and made with care by Stoltzfoos’ family on the farm.
Despite his long commute and the challenges of running a business on the Upper West Side, Stoltzfoos remains dedicated to keeping Millport Dairy running for years to come. He involves his entire family, including his children, in the farm’s operations, providing them with an education and instilling values of hard work and dedication. The store has received positive feedback from customers, who appreciate the high-quality products and personalized service offered by Stoltzfoos and his family. The store’s selection includes a variety of products, such as strawberries, yogurt, smoked pork chops, kielbasa, and chorizo, catering to a range of tastes and preferences.
The opening of Millport Dairy on the Upper West Side has been well-received by the community, with many customers expressing gratitude for the convenience of being able to purchase fresh, Amish-made products locally. Stoltzfoos aims to continue operating the store for the next decade or more, provided that it remains successful. Despite the challenges of running a business in a bustling city like Manhattan, Stoltzfoos remains committed to providing his customers with high-quality, ethically produced products and maintaining the traditions of his Amish heritage. Customers have praised the store for its friendly atmosphere and personalized service, as well as the unique and flavorful products offered. Overall, Millport Dairy represents a successful merging of traditional Amish values and craftsmanship with the demands of a modern urban market.
