Monitor Photo/Pearl Cantrell
John Graham and his wife, Tabitha, and daughters Brittiney (right) and Katlin work in the family’s produce stand together in Seven Points most weekends and throughout the week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Monitor Staff Writer
SEVEN POINTS–Besides a monumental sign announcing the name of the city at the intersection, Seven Points is benefiting from a newly remodeled and spruced up fresh produce stand.
Under new management and called Graham’s 7 Points Produce, the stand presents crisp red and white decor reminiscent of a picturesque barn inside and out.
Its 1,200 square feet have been rebuilt and renewed from floor to ceiling. “I did most the work myself,” owner John Graham told The Monitor.
A wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are delivered weekly on Friday mornings. They are displayed on tables and behind glassed refrigerator cases. On the wall from top to bottom are lines and lines of preserves, jellies, butters, sauces, relishes and pickles. Their labels denote tasty combinations. It’s worth the trip just to look some of these over like Sweet Potato Pecan Butter, perfect over home-churned vanilla ice cream, Red Pepper Jelly, Strawberry-Fig Preserves, Green Tomato Pickles, Sweet Fire Bread and Butter Pickles and Dilled Garlic.
A lighted panel emits the glow from golden honey in jars from 8 ounces to two gallons with various price values.
“My grandfather, W.B. Graham use to operate from this very stand from 1982-1993,” Graham said.
A longtime area resident, John and his brother have been operating a produce stand at the Farmer’s Market in Dallas. However the city plans some major renovation which includes downsizing the open air market. Taking over this place in Seven Points, he hopes will hedge his bets against the future.
He is joined by his wife, Tabitha, and on the weekends by his daughters Brittiney, 18 and Katlin, 14. Christina, 15, has her own baby-sitting business.
Besides broccoli, asparagus and eggplants, the refrigerator includes locally laid eggs for sale.
Opened April 19, the stand is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily throughout the summer. Also offered are potted plants, ornamentals and fern.
But John says his biggest seller and what he’s most proud of is seedless watermelon from East Texas. Several different varieties are available from now and through the hot summer. Also from around here are blueberries and blackberries just now coming into season, along with strawberries.
In addition to green beans, assorted citrus, cantaloupe, new red potatoes, Vidalia onions, cucumbers and of course, tricolored sweet peppers.
Dried beans, peanuts from North Texas, okra, tomatoes are on display, and soon cherries, plums, apricots and peaches.
There’s lots of sampling to be had. Or if you’re desperate and can’t wait another minute, he’ll be happy to slice up a juicy watermelon or cantaloupe right on the spot for you to enjoy the refreshing tastes of summer – the perfect stop to make with out-of-town guests.
