Jordan’s Fruit Stand is literally the “new kid on the block.” Though the owner is not new to running a produce stand.

Jordan Meeks opened Jordan’s about a month ago after searching for an appropriate location. A Redmond resident for 10 years, Meeks knew he wanted to be in the downtown corridor. He found the right location at 531 W.Antler Ave.

“I’ve had my eye on this location for a couple of years, it’s right downtown between Fifth and Sixth streets,” he said.

Meeks is no stranger to the business of owning and operating a produce stand. He’s in his fourth year in the business, having relocated from Powell Butte (across from the Powell Butte Community Charter School on Highway 126).

At first concerned about relocating his business, Meeks has been amazed by how many existing customers have continued to frequent his stand.

“It’s been overwhelming to see the support, a lot of people are driving from Powell Butte just to shop with me,” Meeks said.

At 28 and a relative newcomer to owning and operating a produce stand, Meeks’ enthusiasm for the business is clearly evident.

“My passion for the business is a mixture of desiring good food, working with produce, and being able to be outside all day at the stand,” he said.

Meeks still considers himself a student of the industry.

“I’m constantly trying to learn all the complexities of produce and everything involved with it,” he said.

Meeks has learned to listen to his customers’ desires in selecting the products. The stand’s mix is about 50/50 fruits to vegetables.

“If a customer walks in looking for broccoli, you’d better have it because, if you don’t, they won’t be back,” he said.

Meeks also works with distributors who supply produce during the growing seasons.

“Throughout the season I work with California, Oregon and Washington,” he said. “It starts south and works it’s way north. Here in the next few weeks I’ll start to get in a lot of Oregon produce.”

Organic produce is on Meeks’ radar. He’s trying to figure out how big the demand is in Redmond.

“Organics is a market I’m trying to tap into,” he said. “I have a few items that are organic and I’m hoping to increase the quantity and variety over time.”

So why should consumers buy produce at Jordan’s Fruit Stand versus shopping at Fred Meyer or Walmart?

“It’s a fact that, when you compare a produce stand to a supermarket, we get a lot less grace,” Meeks said. “If someone takes home a bad watermelon they may not shop with me again. But people give supermarkets a little more leniency, they are likely to continue to shop there.”

Meeks believes that people expect higher quality produce at a produce stand — but not higher prices.

“I’m constantly going through every item, cleaning them up, trimming lettuce, making sure everything looks good,” he said.

Pricing-wise, Meeks believes he’s right where he should be.

“My prices are real competitive,” he said. “My philosophy is volume over profit. If I can have lower prices more people will buy more of that product.”

Like nearby Ryan’s Produce, Jordan’s downtown competition, Meeks believes his typical customer is generally older.

“It’s a mixed bag of customers, but I think the typical customer is usually over 50 years old and that’s because they cook more,” said Meeks.

Not all of Jordan’s produce is supplied by distributors. Locally sourcing produce is high on Meeks’ to-do list as the summer kicks in.

“Quality and price,” he said. “If both of those are right, I’ll buy as local as possible.”

Wes Palmer, of Redmond, a regular customer, really enjoys shopping at Jordan’s Fruit Stand, he said. And he has a message for supermarkets.

“He’s got beautiful fresh produce here,” Palmer said. “Look at those mushrooms, great strawberries, and a wide selection of apples, oranges, peaches, cantaloupes. I no longer trust where supermarkets get some of their stuff.”

— Reporter: 541-548-2185, bmintiens@redmondspokesman.com