ATHOL — Town Manager Shaun Suhoski says there is genuine activity happening in the downtown area.
In about a week, George’s Farms will open at 358 Main St., the site of the former computer store near Rep. Susannah Whipps’ office.
Owner Sudad Saman said he is waiting for a permit and inspection to open. Saman, a professor of microbiology, took up farming a few years ago after 23 years of teaching.
“I like farming,” he said.
Saman said he will operate the business with a former student of his from his teaching days at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
George’s Farms will offer fresh fruits and vegetables grown at his farms — “a good-sized farm” — in Framingham and in Northborough. He said he will buy bagels and such from kitchens in Arlington and Framingham and Dean’s Beans organic coffee from Orange. He will also sell vegetarian items, including grape nuts, falafel and pomace.
“I’ll be selling what we produce, and buying other items from a number of farms,” he said, noting he expects the prices to be lower than what can be found in markets.
Fresh vegetables will be brought in every couple days, “depending on what is consumed,” said Saman. The quantities will be small at first.
“Anything not sold will be composted and put back into the farm,” he said.
Saman will hold a soft opening, with free coffee on its opening day. George’s Farms will offer membership cards and holders will get 10 percent off purchases. There will be two senior days a week, with another 5 percent off in addition to the 10 percent discount. He will also give 15 percent off to police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and military.
“We are not greedy. We will sell cheap,” said Saman, “We want to help people out.”
Asked how he came to Athol, Saman said he searched Craigslist for a location.
“I liked the town; I liked the store,” he said. He also mentioned he liked the owner of the building, and when he went to the Athol Town Hall, “they were very helpful.”
George’s Farms will be open daily and Saman can be contacted at 508-210-3967.