Nathan and Jennifer Cross opened their Kyle store, Cross Plants and Produce, in March 2014.[/caption]
Jennifer and Nathan Cross said they have gotten many "thank yous" and a few hugs since opening in March 2014.
Cross Plants and Produce, the married couple's plant nursery and grocery store, has grown 30 percent in the year since its opening near downtown Kyle, and people cannot stop showing their enthusiasm for the business—by shopping there frequently, volunteering to help or getting the word out, the Crosses said.
"They're just so glad they don't have to go to Austin for grass-fed meats and that kind of thing," Jennifer said. "It's like a little oasis."
The produce the Crosses carry at their store is mostly locally produced, all-natural meats and vegetables. The store carries longhorn meat from Buda's Dear Run Ranch and Angus beef from a Pearsall producer.
Organic coffee and honey are also among the popular store items, the Crosses said.
Like their produce the Crosses emphasize local sourcing when it comes to the plants they sell. Native plants the Central Texas climate can sustain, even in drought, are among the available items in the nursery.
Educational classes on topics such as lawn care, tomato gardening and nutrition, are also provided at the store on certain days.
Jennifer said people like shopping at her store because it is family-oriented, and they can have a conversation with the owners and their part-time store employee, whether for advice on gardening or a casual chat.
Parents can take their children for use of the various amenities in the outdoor play area. A miniature donkey and miniature horse call Cross Plants and Produce home.
"I don't think people dread having to come here to get their food," Jennifer said. "Where other places it might be a chore, this is more relaxing."
The business in February received the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce award for small business of the year. The Crosses said they were humbled by the award, but they were not ready to rest on their laurels.
"We put the plaque on the shelf and went to work the next day," Nathan said.
Although Nathan said he does not want his business to ever become too big, expanding services is on the horizon.
Nathan said he is mulling a subscription package for grocery store customers in which clients can pay to receive a set order of groceries each week. He also said he was considering adding flowerbed installation as a service.
From increasing their plant inventory to stocking more consumables, the Crosses said they plan on offering more goods with the goal of attracting more customers.
"I want to be a household name where if you want to get good food in Kyle, this is where you come," Jennifer said.
Nathan and Jennifer Cross opened their Kyle store, Cross Plants and Produce, in March 2014.[/caption]
Jennifer and Nathan Cross said they have gotten many "thank yous" and a few hugs since opening in March 2014.
Cross Plants and Produce, the married couple's plant nursery and grocery store, has grown 30 percent in the year since its opening near downtown Kyle, and people cannot stop showing their enthusiasm for the business—by shopping there frequently, volunteering to help or getting the word out, the Crosses said.
"They're just so glad they don't have to go to Austin for grass-fed meats and that kind of thing," Jennifer said. "It's like a little oasis."
The produce the Crosses carry at their store is mostly locally produced, all-natural meats and vegetables. The store carries longhorn meat from Buda's Dear Run Ranch and Angus beef from a Pearsall producer.
Organic coffee and honey are also among the popular store items, the Crosses said.
Like their produce the Crosses emphasize local sourcing when it comes to the plants they sell. Native plants the Central Texas climate can sustain, even in drought, are among the available items in the nursery.
Educational classes on topics such as lawn care, tomato gardening and nutrition, are also provided at the store on certain days.
Jennifer said people like shopping at her store because it is family-oriented, and they can have a conversation with the owners and their part-time store employee, whether for advice on gardening or a casual chat.
Parents can take their children for use of the various amenities in the outdoor play area. A miniature donkey and miniature horse call Cross Plants and Produce home.
"I don't think people dread having to come here to get their food," Jennifer said. "Where other places it might be a chore, this is more relaxing."
The business in February received the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce award for small business of the year. The Crosses said they were humbled by the award, but they were not ready to rest on their laurels.
"We put the plaque on the shelf and went to work the next day," Nathan said.
Although Nathan said he does not want his business to ever become too big, expanding services is on the horizon.
Nathan said he is mulling a subscription package for grocery store customers in which clients can pay to receive a set order of groceries each week. He also said he was considering adding flowerbed installation as a service.
From increasing their plant inventory to stocking more consumables, the Crosses said they plan on offering more goods with the goal of attracting more customers.
"I want to be a household name where if you want to get good food in Kyle, this is where you come," Jennifer said.
