Where our journey started to where we are now
Then & Now
The building that is Kristi's Market Kitchen today was built around the 1870s as 'Cox General Store'. It mostly looks the same as it did then with mainly cosmetic changes. The wrap-around porch is no longer there because the road has been widened since it was constructed.
Harley Store 1800’s
Harley Store Today
The History behind the building
The Hamlet of Harley (formerly called Derby) was founded about 1830 when Stephen Coon constructed an Inn just west of the present village along the old Quaker Trail. Peter Lossing, and other Quaker settlers from the Norwich area, constructed the trail about 1810, however settlement along the route was sparse until after the 1830’s. In 1857 Stephen Coon and a Miss Sarah Higson (owner of Part Lot 12, Concession 9) collaborated on the survey of the Village of Harley known then as Derby.
By the 1880’s Harley boasted a General Store and Post Office (established 1859), 3 Hotels, one church (which housed alternating Methodist and Anglican congregations), a school, two blacksmiths, a Wagon Maker (Bennet), a tailor, a cobbler, a carpet weaver, a steam saw mill, a cheese factory, a grange hall, a railway station (Brantford Norfolk and Port Burwell Railway line). The name Derby was changed to Harley sometime between the 1860’s and 1870’s after Archibald Harley (an early settler there) became a local politician and then MPP for Oxford.
Meet the Team
Our journey to becoming Kristi’s Market Kitchen as we are today, started in 2013. Collectively, with Henk & Kristi, and Rebecca, our vision began with the idea of a roadside stand on the family farm. It gradually changed shape over time as we talked about having a permanent structure, adding a little kitchen, needing cooling equipment, and a better location with increased traffic. From there the idea stayed an idea for quite some time. We looked at and discussed buildings and properties that came up for sale, but nothing suited our vision.
Things changed in summer 2017 when someone suggested we look at the Harley Store. After a walk-through and many discussions on how it might fit our vision and needs, we decided to go for it! We signed on the dotted line and received the keys on November 2, 2017. Ten month’s worth of major renovations followed, which transformed the building from the disaster it was, to what we now call Kristi’s Market Kitchen. We officially opened our doors for business on August 21, 2018.
Throughout the renovation, we were sensitive to the fact that the building has always played a significant role in our town and its history. This urged us to maintain the same exterior styling and "Harley Store" signage as a way to preserve the history of our street corner.
In the years since our doors have opened, we have grown and developed. In 2020, we started attending the Cambridge Market and in 2022 we added Burlington Centre Farmers Market. Our wholesale is also expanding, as we have our product in a number of local stores as well. Throughout this time Rebecca was an active part of the business, but has since decided to be at home with her kids.
Our journey is a testament to the commitment we have to each of our customers. Good, hearty food made from simple ingredients to make family favourites, old traditions, and new creations that will make you smile with delight at every bite!
We look forward to serving you and your families for many years to come, and thank you all for your continued support!