Balemans Produce Closing Stall In Saint John City Market
SAINT JOHN – Balemans Produce, which has been operating at the Saint John City Market for 55 years, is closing at the beginning of January.
Owner Robert Balemans, who has been running the stall for the past 30 years, says he’s ready to retire.
“I’ve been here 30 years. I’m 65 now [and] 30 years is a long time. I haven’t done anything for the past 30 years besides work, so I thought I’d take it a little bit easier,” he said.
Balemans hopes to maintain a community presence down the road, but for now, he says its time for a break.
“It’s hard, but after that many years, and I was here working for my father before that, it’s time to slow it down,” he said.
He’s unsure what will come into the space after him. Balemans says he’s built a solid customer base over the years.
“We’ve been here a lot of years. A lot of people have been saying they’re going to miss us, and we’re going to miss them too,” he said.
The stall will close on January 1.
Danielle McCreadie is a news reporter with CHSJ/Country 94, a Huddle content partner.