By By MaryClaire Foster
The produce stand on north Main Street is a familiar sight to many local residents, but is not the same business many remember.
The Green Apple, housed in the same location as the Apple Barrel, was opened by Vickey Allen-Black after many years of a vacancy in the building.
Black said she noticed a need for this type of business, and after some encouragement from her father, Harold Allen, she opened The Green Apple.
Black said the business is a family affair, with her father providing insight and advice and her husband, Josh, and children helping out as well.
The stand offers a wide array of fruits and vegetables, several of which are grown locally.
Linda Hadley worked at The Apple Barrel for ten years and now works for The Green Apple.
Hadley said they do not just mean her either; they are also appreciative of having a similar business in place.
Black said she has received the same response from customers.
Along with produce, The Green Apple offers homemade baked goods, fruit baskets, live plants and seasonal d/cor.
In addition to the current offerings, there are plans in the works to add a butcher shop and offer frozen vegetables.
Harold Allen added that in addition to what he said are better quality and lower priced items than grocery stores, the Green Apple is also more convenient.
For those who have a hard time getting in and out, Hadley added they can assist them.
Linda and Terri Griffin shopped at the Green Apple on Friday for what they believe is a better selection of produce.
The Griffins said they frequented the establishment back when it was The Apple Barrel and were pleased when they saw a similar business had opened.
The Green Apple is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.