Fern Hill Family Farms Closes, Property, 'Big Red Barn' For Sale

At the "big red barn" in Riverview, shoppers could purchase "produce so fresh, it slept in the garden last night." No longer, as Fern Hill Family Farms closed its doors this week.

In an online post to Fern Hill Family Farms patrons, Jerry and Becky Hoffman said that with "deep regret," a family emergency caused them to close down their business, effective Thursday night, May 30.

The post continues:

"We thank you all for your support and encouragement from the beginning with the u-pick strawberries right on through the opening of the Market. We have enjoyed meeting each one of you and enjoyed watching families interact while u-picking. If at a future date we are able to reopen, we will let you know."

The news hit hard at the offices of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, prompting its executive director, Tanya Doran, to issue an email notice to members.

"My heart breaks over this," she said in the May 31 email. She went on to notice that with the closing comes the sale of property, as noted below:

"16.5 acres mixed zoned general commercial and planned development commercial industrial.  This is a NEW building.  The current owners became overwhelmed and want/need to sell as soon as possible.  If you know of any one that may be interested in this, please contact Jerry (813) 503-2696 or Becky Hoffman (813) 503-2966.  To see the building, visit www.fernhillfamilyfarms.com and look for the big red barn."

Fern Hill Family Farms, in business at 19970 Fern Hill Drive in Riverview, opened its doors for a soft opening in January, featuring u-pick strawberries advertised as "seriously, the sweetest strawberries you have ever tasted," according to a Fern Hill Family Farms Facebook post.

• See U-Pick Fields Lure Strawberry Lovers to Riverview  (Feb. 10, 2013)

• See Big Red Barn Market and Deli Now Open in Riverview (May 6, 2013)

The market opened in May, featuring "a complete selection of produce, dairy items, deli featuring Troyer meats and cheeses and custom sandwiches, and all natural food items."

As late as May 25, Fern Hill advertised the May 25 sampling of "a whole new array of products, including an "Amish Wedding line, deli meats and cheeses, and fresh produce," as well as a "number of antique items."

Reaction to the news of the farm's closing hit Facebook readers hard.

"So sad to hear of your closing," posted one couple. "My whole family loved going there! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming:) pray that everything is ok and hope you are able to reopen again soon!"

"You have a whole community rallying behind you, please let us help you.....even if its just to man the vegetables....it would be a shame to go to waste," wrote another patron.

"Yes if there is anything we can do to help let all of us know. Your St Stephens family is here for you......," a member of the St. Stephen Catholic Church noted.

In reponse to well-wishers, Fern Hill Family Farms owners expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of well-wished and concern.

"We want you to know that our family is okay, and even though we are going through some struggles, we will be just fine," reads the post. "We appreciate your continued prayers and support."