The azaleas have bloomed, the birds are chirping and the sun is slowly warming our coastal community. Spring has sprung in Brunswick County and after a long, cold winter, I do believe everyone is ready for more enjoyable weather. Later sunsets allow for more time spent outdoors playing, planting and grilling. On your next trip out running errands and grocery shopping, stop by our newest farmer’s market, Butler’s, for a quick and opportune alternative to the crowded grocery chains.
On Thursday, March 20 2025, Butler’s Farm Market officially opened for their first season. Conveniently located at 5600 Ocean Hwy (U.S. 17), Shallotte, a produce market in this location may not be all that new to locals. Originally known as Holden Brothers since the early 90s, this building has housed fresh fruits, vegetables and goods for many years. With changing names to “Lucky Day” in the last few years, everyone coming into or out of town has surely seen or heard of this iconic spot to shop.
Owners Nic Butler, Mary Mooney, Darin Carroll and Brad Cheers are using the same novel storefront but with fresh paint, lighting, and handcrafted displays and counters. After renovations overseen by Darin and tirelessly carried out by family and friends, the market still holds a strong family-owned and operated presence. If you stop in, you may not see Darin or Brad as they are often busy working behind the scenes with accounts and payroll, but Mary manages the store and Nic manages the farm and they are in and out daily.
After spending the last 14 years working in the film industry and living in Chicago, Mary met Nic in downtown Wilmington. A native to Shallotte, Nic has managed the farm at Ludlum’s Produce on Holden Beach Road in Supply for four years. After 2020, Nic brought Mary down south and together they’ve been growing produce, business ideas and a family….a baby is due any day! Since opening, Butler’s has been greeted with returning costumers full of excitement and ready to fill their baskets full of goodies.
Striving to offer the best in seasonal produce, fruits and vegetables are not only grown and delivered to them by their sister business, Ludlum’s, but also grown by the Grissett family in Ocean Isle/Grissettown, the Holden Family in Shallotte and the Morse Family in Ash. Nic also goes to the farmers market in Columbia, South Carolina, twice a week to hand pick what they cannot provide from local fields.
After farming since 1952, Ludlum’s has perfected growing strawberries and they are now available at Butler’s along with their famous boiled peanuts. Tomatoes, cantaloupe, okra and mustard are customer favorites this month, but South Carolina peaches will be arriving soon followed by different varieties of watermelons, squash, cucumber and corn this summer. The majority of market products are from North Carolina and southeast regional companies. Ashe County Cheese, Wholesome Country Fresh Milk, local honey, Phillip’s Brother’s Ham and Sausage, Coastal Creamery Ice Cream, Pies and Sides Take and Bakes, Seaside Sourdough, Darel’s Bakery and John Brown’s Pimento Cheese (a Butler Family favorite) are among the many items that line the shelves alongside various jams, jellies and sauces.
With plans to add to their store selection and also grow more produce on location next year, Butler’s will be continuously evolving but will keep the freshest seasonal staples for your kitchen. Current store hours are Monday-Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm, and updates are available on social media.
A word of caution for your first visit to Butler’s Farm Market — make sure you have a napkin in your pocket or purse for the drive home because you may not make it back without resisting a bite of something fresh!
