Family helps save Cannock fruit and veg shop
A mother who could not bear to see her favourite fruit and vegetable shop close down has bought it.
Jill Fletcher runs the revamped store in Cannock with her daughter Maddie, 24, and son Joe, 21, renaming the family business Fletchers.
The former Jessica’s, in Market Hall Street, was one of the most popular shops for miles around, serving fresh fruit and vegetables at bargain prices, as well as running a sandwich bar.
Jill, who also runs Slimming World classes in Cannock and Hednesford, said: “I found out it was on the market and only one bid had been put in, from a family in Birmingham who were going to turn it into a convenience store, which I thought was terrible.
“The owner asked why didn’t I buy it then, so I had a word with Joe and Maddie and that’s what we did. We all bring different strengths – Joe is hot on IT and does all our accounts while Maddie is a plumber and gas engineer, so she’s put in all our ovens. It’s a good combination.”
Jill has added her own stamp on the business by introducing hot meals, such as pasta bakes, chillis and curries, which she describes as ‘healthy options’ using minimal fats.
The family has also started a fruit and veg box service, sending out almost 40 boxes on Saturday. The delivery service is free to any customers within a five-mile radius.
“When the bad weather sets in we hope it will help our older customers who find it difficult to get out in the snow and rain. We have 4x4 vehicles to tackle the worst of weathers.”
The shop, under its new owners, has been open for a month but was given an official launch on Saturday when Cannock MP Amanda Milling popped in to cut the ribbon and Cannock councillor Diane Todd, town centre regeneration leader, also paid a visit.