For generations, the familiar name of Fat Boy’s Produce has been synonymous with fresh, locally sourced goodness. A true cornerstone of the community, its history stretches back nearly half a century, weaving through the lives of countless residents. While the official business name is now Grier’s Farmer’s Market, the deep roots and commitment to quality which defined Fat Boy’s continue to flourish, nurtured by a vision for a modern, thriving marketplace.
“Fat Boy’s Produce has been around for about, I’d say, 45, 48 years,” explains Andrey Williams, the General Manager of Grier’s. His voice carries a sense of respect for the legacy he now helps to steward. He recounts the names that have guided its journey – Nixon, Larry Moss, Sam Hewett, Mike Blackwell, and Jonathan Hudson – all figures deeply embedded in the local farming community. In 2019, Larry Grier took the helm, ushering in a period of transformation aimed at ensuring the market’s continued vitality.
“We’ve done a lot of transformation,” Andrey acknowledges, “We’ve tried to keep the original spirit of the farmer’s market, but obviously, we had to modernize it to be more competitive.” He understands the pull of convenience offered by big box stores, yet firmly believes in the enduring value of a true farmer’s market experience. This commitment to heritage, coupled with a forward-thinking approach, led to the thoughtful decision to retain the beloved “Fat Boy’s” moniker on the building itself.
“During the process of switching it over to Grier’s Farmer’s Market, we started getting these phone calls from people who had been shopping here for 20, 30 plus years, or came as kids and are still shopping. A lot of them were adamant about the Fat Boys name.” The ensuing conversation between loyal customers and the new ownership ultimately resulted in a harmonious compromise: the business operates as Grier’s Farmer’s Market, but the familiar “Fat Boy’s” sign proudly remains, a nod to the past and a recognition of its enduring place in the community’s heart.
But what truly sets Grier’s apart in an era of sprawling retail giants? Beyond its cherished history and local ownership, the market has strategically diversified to offer an even richer experience. To stay competitive, Grier’s has expanded beyond produce to include a wide array of plants. Andrey says that because a farmer’s market falls under the Department of Agriculture, their offerings naturally extend to anything which can be grown – from peach trees and blueberry bushes to palm trees.
The slogan, “From houseplants to palm trees,” perfectly encapsulates this expanded offering. While big box stores might carry smaller palms, Grier’s facilitates the acquisition of everything from 15-gallon specimens to impressive bare-root sable palms weighing hundreds of pounds. Andrey points out that palm trees are a natural fit for the region, with mature specimens gracing the landscapes throughout Columbus. “Palm trees are still a signature item that a lot of people look for,” he notes…