New life is being breathed into a Brewton business as it takes on a new owner and a new name.
The business formerly known as Brewton Fruit and Vegetable Stand on Mildred Street will now be known as Brewton Produce under the management of the new owner, John Wells of Mobile.
Wells has purchased the business from the previous owners, Randall and Kim Hayes, and is working on not only having the usual fruits and vegetables, but having other items as well.
“We plan on doing some painting and brightening up of the building,” Wells said. “We have already started and we want to have all the seasonal items we can get to be able to give the customers what they want.”
Wells is no stranger to harvesting and selling vegetables and fruits to the public. He has been the business all of his life.
“I grew up in a family that farmed for many years,” Wells said. “As long as my grandfather and father were living, they actually were farmers. I am not a farmer, but I have been in the business since I was a young boy. I worked at Big Charlie’s Produce in Mobile ever since I was 16 years old. In fact, my whole family is involved in the business.”
Wells said his job at Big Charlie’s Produce gave him the opportunity to learn about the availability of the Brewton business and a chance to branch out on his own.
“The previous owner of the fruit and vegetable stand in Brewton had been purchasing produce from Big Charlie’s and I heard about them closing,” he added. “I thought it would be a good idea for me to take on the job myself. My family will be helping me and we plan on moving to Brewton in the near future.”
Wells said he has access to a line of Amish products including a line of jams and jellies. Also in the works at the newly-named business are plans to install coolers to  make additional products available for the buyers in the community.
Wells also plans to offer ferns and other plants for those in the community who have grown accustomed to purchasing the items at the location.
Although some products will be purchased from outside the local community, Wells said he still plans to purchase and offer as much local produce as possible.
“We will still get the peanuts from around Jay and when there is local produce, we will have that too,” Wells said. “Right now I am waiting to be able to offer credit card sales and as soon as we have that set up, we can offer credit card service as well as cash and checks.
“The people of Brewton have made me feel so welcome,” Wells said. “They are stopping by to see us and everybody has been so nice and welcoming. I’m looking forward to moving here in the near future. It’s such a nice town and we want to be a part of it. We invite everyone to come by and see if we can’t supply the fruits and vegetables they need.”
For more information or to check on a specific kind of produce, John Wells can be reached at 809-6060.