Our Story

At Appleseed Farms, our story is rooted in family, hard work, and a deep commitment to providing locally grown, high-quality produce to the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania. What started as a small roadside stand in West Virginia has grown into a thriving business with locations in Connellsville, PA, and Valencia, PA—all built on the values of community, perseverance, and love for one another.

Our journey began with two brothers, John and George Elias, who spent their summers selling fresh produce on the side of the road in West Virginia. Every morning, we arrived at 5 AM, staking our claim before other farmers took the best spots. Each night, we carefully packed up our table and hid it behind the hillside, only to set it up again the next morning. We worked tirelessly out of the back of an old U-Haul truck, learning the importance of dedication, persistence, and service.

These experiences weren’t just about selling produce; they were about understanding customers, forming relationships, and committing to quality—values that still define Appleseed Farms today.

Before my freshman year of college, I took over Frank’s Fruit Market in Connellsville, PA. I spent summers selling fresh fruits and vegetables in front of the market, using every dollar I earned to pay my way through college. But I wasn’t alone—this business was a family effort.

During those years, my parents, siblings, and extended family all came together to help during the busy seasons. My brother, sisters, and parents worked beside me, not for money, but for love—love for me, love for the family, and love for the business we were building together.

It was in those summers that I learned a deeper lesson: money doesn’t build businesses—family, hard work, and shared purpose do.

After finishing college, I returned home with a vision—to grow our "fruit stand" into something bigger. I started farming on a small scale, producing fresh, local vegetables while continuing to source from other trusted local farmers. Over time, we built relationships with high-quality vendors who shared our commitment to fresh, locally grown food.

As larger, commercial competitors entered the market, it put pressure on small, family-run businesses like ours. But instead of seeing this as a challenge, we saw an opportunity. Consumers in Fayette County and Southwestern Pennsylvania began demanding more locally grown, high-value produce—and we were ready to meet that demand.

Today, Appleseed Farms has two primary locations in Connellsville, PA, and Valencia, PA, offering an expanded selection of fresh, homegrown vegetables, farm-raised meats, and locally sourced products. We have continued to grow not only our business but also our own vegetable production and local partnerships.

We are proud to support local farmers, small businesses, and the growing movement toward farm-to-table living. Every product we sell—whether grown on our farm or sourced from our trusted partners—is chosen with quality, sustainability, and community in mind.

As we look ahead, our vision is to expand our outdoor markets into larger buildings, allowing us to offer even more locally grown products and services. We plan to increase our own vegetable and animal production, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable farming and ethical food sourcing.

But no matter how much we grow, our core values will always remain the same:

• Family First: Our business was built by family, for family. We treat every employee, vendor, and customer like part of our own.
• Hard Work & Dedication: From early mornings selling on the roadside to running two locations, our story is proof that commitment and persistence lead to success.
• Locally Grown, Community Focused: We believe in supporting local farms, small businesses, and providing high-quality, locally grown food to our neighbors.
• Love Over Money: Our business was not built on wealth, but on love—love for our work, love for our family, and love for our customers.

At Appleseed Farms, our mission is to provide the highest quality locally grown produce, farm-raised meats, and homemade goods while supporting local farmers and fostering strong community connections. We believe in preserving the values of small, family-run farms, ensuring that future generations have access to fresh, healthy, and ethically produced food.

From a small roadside stand in West Virginia to a thriving business in Southwestern Pennsylvania, our story is one of family, perseverance, and commitment to quality. We invite you to be part of our journey—whether by visiting our markets, supporting local farmers, or simply sharing in our passion for fresh, locally grown food.

Visit us at our Connellsville or Valencia locations, and experience the Appleseed Farms difference—where family, hard work, and love always come first.