Barbour County resident and former Assistant Superintendent of Randolph County Schools Dr. Ann Serafin stops by the new business, The Coop, on Buckhannon’s Main Street. She has spotted some unique note cards on nearby shelves.

During the past month, the most delightful experiences found me and offered such an important set of sights.

One observation in nearby Buckhannon revealed a significant expansion of a successful fresh food operation. Another, an up-and-coming company near Elkins, has settled on Plantation Drive across the Beverly Four-Lane opposite the Bob Evans Restaurant entrance.

These newer food operations each open their doors to great flavors, aromas and eye-popping selections.

I believed a short few years ago when first visiting Buckhannon and seeing Dale Hawkins’ Fish Hawk Market that it would be a great success. Now, patrons will find a significant expansion.

Current offerings include a table-filled room dedicated to public dining and surrounded by cooling units full of cheeses, meats and “grab-and-go” entrees. Being able to dine both at noon-time and in the evening is a charming arrangement and one will observe big smiles when eating concludes.

Sara Slider shares information about The Coop, where she offers cooking instruction. She said one of her goals is to ‘help patrons learn about foods as a process with personal preferences and taste.’

While photographing some of the new additions, I also came upon information about another business expansion Hawkins had made in the next block that was especially designed to offer creative services. The business name, The Coop, was explained by manager and instructor Sara Slider, saying it “surfaced to act as an incubator for new ideas coming together.” The Coop is already active in its teaching and serving roles.

With ovens, cold storage and tables at hand, this native West Virginian is equipped to offer cooking instruction seven days a week. Her current February class offerings are listed online at www.fishhawkmarket.com, or one can call 304-460-2300 to make inquiries or class reservations at least 24 hours in advance.

It was apparent that this instruction would be invaluable as Slider’s cooking and restaurant resume is lengthy.

The new store also displays gift items such as glassware, notecards and an expansive array of kitchen utensils. Another store section is dedicated to terrarium-building, with live plants and containers ready to be used by customers who have their design plans in mind.

Not to be outdone, the Elkins Great Harvest Bread Company crew members were hard at work during early morning preparing nine varieties of homemade bread for fresh, lunch-time made-to-order sandwiches. Patrons could also look forward to soups, salads and desserts that peek back at them as they move through a quick-paced line for ordering. Fresh-made bread and sweets samples are offered to waiting patrons and ensure an enjoyable wait.

Live plants add to patron interest in this Fish Hawk venture, where personal gardens can be created and even plant food can be obtained from nearby shelves.

As one is served and they sit back to relax, they will notice packaged items surrounding the dining-room area. An array of fine-eating ingredients can be purchased for gift-basket giving, including soups, pastas, noodles, seasonings, coffees and teas, among others. This certainly causes one to feel creative and energized about cooking.

People will tell their friends about the wonderful cinnamon rolls, Kahuna Bars, brownies and other assorted pastries readily seen when standing in the store. There really is no end to the sweet items for purchase. One of the owner’s daughters was quick to explain that the accent is on flavor and that they mill their own grain to capture the aroma, great taste and freshness.

Explaining to anyone why these two businesses are having great success is fairly simple. They totally focus on what the public wants and enjoys. The production quality takes time and energy, but this is expected of the staff and it is evident.

We are thankful for their enthusiasm and effort. They are wished continued success as they join so many other workers of our area who are proud of their products and their ability to produce them for our residents’ benefit.

Blenko glass is just one of the product lines available at the trendy gift shop recently opened in Buckhannon.