Chris's Grocery
I started Chris’s Fresh Veggies in the summer of 2000. I decided I would sell fresh produce during my summer vacation from a roadside stand. I would grow what vegetables I could and purchase other fresh produce grown in the area by local farmers. School ended, the next day I was ready to open my stand. As more and more vegetables became available my business grew. One night while figuring my profit for the day, I realized I had enough money to buy my four-wheeler – the reason I started my produce business.
I really enjoyed my business and wanted to keep running my stand. I had more produce than I could sell, so I loaded a long trailer and went to the beach and Ocracoke to sell my vegetables to stores and restaurants. Business was good.
I bought a refrigerated truck March 2003, so I could travel to the Farmers’ Market in Raleigh to buy produce for my customers. I hired a driver because I was still in school. By May, my truck was too small to hold all the orders. I bought a 22-foot refrigerated truck and hired another driver.
Due to increase in sales, the upcoming year I purchased a 6,000 square foot grocery store in Swan Quarter which was to be ¼ store and the rest storage for my business. Hurricane Isabel came and left us with no grocery store, so I decided to expand my vegetable stand into a full-service grocery store, which opened around June – Chris’s Grocery. I worked hard.
I also opened a produce market in Morehead City and years later I purchased Engelhard Red & White, where I added a laundry mat for the community. I bought the building next to Chris’s Grocery and now we have Swan Quarter Supply & Tackle. This has turned out to be very successful. It is good for locals who would have to go at least 30 miles for any kind of hardware. The tourist, fishermen, and hunters love that we carry hunting and fishing supplies – that has been a big part of the store’s success.
I love helping people. I guess that is why Chris’s Grocery, Swan Quarter Supply, and the laundry mat in Engelhard means so much to me. It is great to know you can be of service to everyone. The need here in Hyde County is great and if I can do anything to lessen our needs, I will try my hardest to do what I can.
Due to COVID, life at the stores have been challenging, but nothing that a prayer cannot fix. My Mom and Dad, Gennie and JC Williams, has played an integral role in the success of my business and who I am as an individual. They are my backbone and their support for me is priceless. I truly appreciate them for all that they have done for me throughout my lifetime. I’d also like to thank everyone for their support. It means a lot to me, my family, our employees, and our community.
I have learned from these experiences that you need to set your goals, stay focused, and be ready to work hard. You can pray for anything and if you believe it you can receive it, no matter what it is, it will be yours. –Mark 11:24
Chris Williams
Martelle's Feed House Restaurant
Martelle’s Feed House is a family business owned and operated by Martelle & Veronica Marshall, Brandon & Adriane Marshall, Brian & Abigail Marshall, and Justin & Amy Marshall. Construction for the restaurant began in July of 1996 and its grand opening took place on March 12, 1997 – seating up to 40 people. With an outpouring of local support, combined with incredible food offerings, the restaurant underwent expansion in 2003 that added an Oyster Bar and seating up to 150 people. On an average week, the restaurant employs up to 20-25 employees, helping to boost the local workforce and providing jobs to community members and local students.
Hyde County citizens and numerous tourists always look forward to the in-season seafood, high quality meats, locally grown vegetables, and the famous BBQ cooked over live coals. The seafood industry and various hunting seasons are Martelle’s Feed House’ largest economic boosts. During these times, you can always find a packed parking lot of customers filing in to fill their plates at the daily lunch buffet. With a full menu available all day, there is something for everyone to help satisfy their taste buds. Though catering services were halted during the pandemic, it is still an option if you’d like to have Martelle’s Feed house at a business function, family event, or any special occasion.
Martelle’s Feed House has experienced great success throughout the years due to their loyal customer base that spans all over Hyde County, neighboring counties, and many other states. “Our people have been good to us and we sincerely thank them for their support. Thank you.”, says Martelle Marshall. There is an old adage that says, “The best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.” Well, it’s safe to say that this restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of Hyde County citizens and beyond. A local gem that has put a smile on our faces with their warm welcoming environment, filled our tummies with their delicious food, and provided priceless memories that will last a lifetime.
Martelle’s Feed House Hours
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 11am-2pm & 5pm-8pm Wednesday – 11am-2pm & 5pm-8pm
Thursday – 11am-2pm & 5pm-8pm Friday – 11am-2pm & 5pm-8:30pm
Saturday – 11am-2pm & 5pm-8:30pm (No Lunch Buffet)
Sunday – 11am-2:30pm
