Sad News

For days now the rain has been falling, amidst gray, sullen skies- a fitting backdrop to our moods. We've had two bits of sad news this past week.

First, we found out that Christopher Croxton, General Manager and Wine Director of Staunton Grocery , accepted a new position as GM at Hemingway's at Kent Island, Maryland, a gorgeous, recently renovated waterfront seafood restaurant with a sprawling marina and to- die for views of the Chesapeake Bay. Chris and his fiancee, Meg Willard, our beloved intern, and their family are moving today. We had a going- away party for them this past weekend, and it was a bittersweet reunion for Staunton Grocery employees past and present.

Then we got a phone call from Staunton Grocery Chef/ Owner Ian Boden, with stunning news. After 5 years of opening his labor of love, Chef Boden is closing the Staunton Grocery. His last day of operations will be Friday, Dec. 23rd.

It's difficult to describe the depth of loss we feel for Chef Boden, his staff and our fellow farmers, who have so enthusiastically embraced his vision of true farm- to- plate fine dining in his jewel box of a restaurant, lovingly restored and designed by Chef Boden himself. The tale has been told many times of how he sought out purveyors for his restaurant during its construction, but it always made me smile to remember our first meetings, and the pride we felt in being the first farmers to deliver to him the week before his grand opening.

We went to Chef's wedding to his beautiful bride, Leslie. She picked fresh lavender here for their wedding altar. We became friends, and we humbly shared his spotlight when magazine editors and culinary students came to visit our farm to see what we grew for him. Chef Boden enthusiastically hailed even the smallest of crops we grew for him, and showcased them on his ever- changing, delightfully inventive menu. We loved growing for him.

We know that there are great things ahead for both Chef Boden, Christopher and Meg, and we look forward to following their careers. For now, though, our hearts are very heavy.

Thanks for reading.