Compassionate, driven, and fearless, these are words I would use to describe Susan Henderson, founder of Farmers Table. Susan’s life and her story are a testament to her character and how she structures and runs her business. Going back to college in the middle of her career, Susan did it a little “backwards” as she says. She had a corporate career and was told that there would be no promotion unless she got a degree. Not only did Susan go back to college to complete a four-year degree, but she did it in two and a half years taking no online classes. As her corporate career was coming to an end, she knew she wanted to start her own business, but wasn’t sure what type. She came up with the concept of Farmers Table after talking to a relative in another state who had opened her own business as well. Soon after this, her goal started to become a reality. Farmers Table was born in 2011 and seven years later, though there has been some expanding, you can’t help but feel a sense of community when you walk in.
Susan wanted to bring the community together and make the shopping experience more enjoyable. As Farmers Table expanded this idea of bringing the whole community together became a reality. “What can we offer our community that creates an experience and that really brings people of all ages to enjoy themselves.” Susan said this very idea brought us the sweet shop. Not only did Susan put an emphasis on community, but also on customer service. Susan’s corporate career had much to do with customer service and what she learned, she implemented into Farmers Table. When asked what success means to her and her business Susan responded with, “The first thing that comes to most people’s mind is are we making money… I think I’ve come to the point in my life where while that’s good it isn’t my ultimate goal. My ultimate goal has become are we a help in the community… and how do we help our employees be great employees and how do we help them in life?” Susan puts great emphasis on customer service and how the customer is treated. When asked why customer service is so important to herself and Farmers Table Susan responded with, “I think that if you treat people with respect and dignity and if you treat them ethically and honestly then God blesses that.” Farmers Table has stayed true to this belief of the importance of customer service and it’s all because Susan has made this a priority in all her employers and it makes for a wonderful workplace. This emphasis on customer service and community makes Farmer’s Table such a great place to work and has led to many of its successes.
Farmers Table has had many successes come about these last seven years. When asked what her most satisfying moment was at Farmers Table, Susan came up with two answers. Susan said her first moment was from a strictly business perspective, “Opening day of our expansion was a huge accomplishment… there were many failures and many victories to get us to that point.” Susan went onto say, “But equally as exciting and fulfilling for me and sometimes more so on the people side, is when I’ve been able to work with different team members and help them grow to a point to reach a path that is very satisfying for them… that they are excited about life and embrace life and most of the time it’s not at Farmers Table.. but I think we’ve helped get them to that path.” Susan not only cares for the customer greatly but also for her employees. This one of the many ways Christ shines through Susan. She cares so greatly for other people and you can’t help but notice it.
Susan has cultivated a great business to not only shop but to work as well. Being a local business, especially in Douglasville, is hard but through her determination and work ethic, Susan does it so well. As for what’s next for Farmer Table Susan says, “Ideas are always rolling through our heads, so who knows what might come along in the future?"
OUR STORY
Our story all begins in 2011, when Farmer’s Table started out where a little gas station used to be.
Moving right onto the build! Construction to turn this run down gas station into a community centered business began. It took months of hard work to start the little Farmer's Table.
After a couple months, the first little Farmer's Table was finished! Once it was opened it was mainly a little produce market on the corner of the street.
FARMER’S TABLE EXPANSION: 2017
It wasn't too long before Farmer's table needed to grow in it's size to accommodate all the business! In 2017 the expansion project began. The car wash across the parking lot from the gas station was redone and connected to the gas station making for the Farmer's Table you know and love today! This growth project included an expansion on the market, a gift shop added, and the café built!
It wasn't too long before Farmer's table needed to grow in it's size to accommodate all the business! In 2017 the expansion project began. The car wash across the parking lot from the gas station was redone and connected to the gas station making for the Farmer's Table you know and love today! This growth project included an expansion on the market, a gift shop added, and the café built!
What started as a tiny beat up gas station, turned to a little produce mart, and grew to a fully expanded grocery store, gift shop and café. The Farmer’s Table you all know and love started with the dream of a community centered business. Our goal began as and will continue to be to bring our customers a spot to gather and find things you love.
The Sweet Shop
With the positive response to the expansion of the Market, Susan started setting her eyes on the building across the street. Originally a dentist office, Susan purchased the building and had great plans for it. A Sweet Shop was just what Douglasville needed, and Farmer’s Table was going to deliver it. In 2018 The Farmer’s Table Sweet Shop was born.
Let’s look back at where it all began.
Let’s look back at where it all began.
Soon enough construction was completed and the Sweet Shop came to life!
The Sweet Shop also includes our rentable venue space for all the events in your life. The Sweet Shop aims to be a special place for all the memories you treasure.