By Megan Alley
Sun staff

Harvest Market, a bodega-style store specializing in fresh local produce, will soon open its doors in Milford.

Ben and Maureen Redman, owners of Harvest Market, purchased the building at 308 Main St. from the City of Milford for $185,000.

The two, both from southwest Ohio, were living in Kauai last year when they heard about the city’s request for proposals to purchase the building.

“We found out about the RFP on August 1 from Maureen’s dad,” said Ben Redman. “Proposals were due August 15, so we worked hard to put a plan together.”

Ben Redman said they figured the city would select an experienced developer to purchase the building.

“We found out at the beginning of September that we won,” said Ben Redman. “The city really liked that we are owners and operators of our business.

Maureen Redman added, “They were interested in something grass roots.”

Ben Redman, who grew up in Finneytown, and Maureen Redman, a native of Milford, moved back to Ohio in May. The two closed on the building on June 22, which was their 10-year anniversary.

“I think we always knew we were going to move back, but we didn’t know when,” said Maureen Redman. “This process has felt guided – it felt divinely guided. People have offered to help us, and it has all fit together easily. It hasn’t felt hard.”

She added, “It feels good to be out there moving forward with this.”

The name “Harvest Market” came easily to the Redmans.

“Harvest Market is the name of a health food store Ben was working at in Kauai,” said Maureen Redman. “We want this store to be an extension of the farmers’ markets, and the name reflects that.”

Harvest Market will carry produce, milk, eggs, meats and cheeses, with an emphasis on natural, organic and local.

“We’re trying to reinvent the convenience store,” said Ben Redman. “We’ll carry fresh food that hasn’t been adulterated by chemicals. We’ll also have foods for people that follow vegan and paleo diets.”

Harvest Market will also carry local craft beers and wine, household goods, health and beauty supplies, and goods made by local artists.

“We’re trying to focus on local, and we want to be a business that supports other businesses,” said Ben Redman.

The building has a commercial kitchen, which the Redmans plan to utilize to serve up smoothies and breakfast burritos.

“We want to be a community market, and a place where people who are working downtown can come and get healthy meals.” Ben Redman said.

With extensive building renovations underway, the Redmans are unsure when they will officially open their business.

The Redmans intend to open Harvest Market, in some capacity, during the Longstone Street Festival, held in downtown Milford on September 12.

“It is very exciting,” Maureen Redman said. “There’s a lot to pull together, but we’re filled by a lot of energy to bring this market to the community.”