Inspiring Conversations with Jordan deTar

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jordan deTar.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My family’s home was affectionately known as the “Barn House,” where my brothers and I spent our formative years. Originally, it was my great-grandmother’s barn in the 1920s. It was a boutique and the Country Kitchen in the 70s before my father turned it into our family home in the 80s. I purchased the home in 2019 and am now raising my two kids here. Brownwood is very much a part of who I am. 

One summer day in 1938, my grandmother and her brother, having finished their chores, decided to open a honey stand to sell their stepdad’s extra honey. Using two sawhorses and a wooden plank, they set up shop in front of the family barn. It was a hit, and soon a permanent stand was resurrected. 

During WWII, as sugar rations took hold, honey became a hot commodity. My great-grandmother used it to preserve the region’s bounty and eventually opened a storefront across the street called the Honey House. It stocked neighbors’ produce and her homemade jarred goods. 

As traffic increased, she envisioned a “small town” of shops. To realize this dream, she purchased the Grass Lake School House, Antrim County’s first schoolhouse, built in 1875, and filled it with kids’ toys and trinkets. In 1957, she bought the Eastport Inn, a stagecoach stop from the 1860s, and moved it across Torch Lake. Disaster struck during the move when the building cracked the ice and sank. A team of carpenters and ice cutters eventually brought it to shore, where it became our Country Store, complete with a candy aisle and homemade jarred goods. 

After years of growth, the restaurant in the old farmhouse closed in 1983 as much of our family moved to Florida for real estate development. However, traditions continued at the shops through the ’80s and ’90s. 

I was born in 1992 and spent my summers at the Barn House. Brownwood Acres was alive with Sunday flea markets, donkey rides, donuts, and old-school candy. My brothers had a tab in the tea-room. My favorite: Kream of Broccoli with a Fresh Squeezed Lemonade. 

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, my father shifted his focus to fruit juice concentrates, and Brownwood Farms was formed to make our jarred goods. The business closed in 2015 due to poor management, and the brand name was later sold to a co-packer in Ohio. 

Over the next decade, the shops opened and closed several times before shutting down for good in 2014. I graduated college in 2015, eager to rejuvenate the history I grew up loving. In 2016, Brownwood Farms was relaunched in Ohio. Recipes had been changed, however, and angry customers began calling. 

I reopened the Jam Kitchen and began crafting our original recipes in-house. After proving to my grandmother that I could manage a storefront with a successful six-month satellite store, I reopened the Country Store in 2017 and hosted Sunday flea markets. My brother Weston joined me the following year, and together, we’ve continued to rebuild and reopen more of the shops over the last five years. 

I love that my kids now get to walk across the street to see Dad, just like I did when I was a kid. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The largest issue we’ve encountered is the upkeep of our old buildings, some dating back to the Civil War era. These structures require ongoing maintenance and investment to ensure their preservation and compliance with modern standards. Additionally, the seasonal nature of our business has posed challenges, making it difficult to maintain consistent sales and revenue throughout the year. 

Recapturing customers who think Brownwood Farms is the same as Brownwood Acres has also proven to be a significant challenge. Despite our efforts to differentiate ourselves, some customers still confuse the two, leading to missed opportunities and misunderstandings. 

Additionally, there are many challenges to operating seasonal stores. It’s been interesting learning how to properly forecast sales and order accordingly. We always want to have the store well stocked, but we don’t want to be burdened with a ton of leftover inventory. 

Despite these hurdles, we have remained committed to adapting and evolving to meet the needs of our customers. One way we have addressed these challenges is by introducing an Online Storefront, allowing us to reach customers who may not be able to visit us in person. This has not only helped us navigate the slower winter months but has also allowed us to stay connected with our community and continue to grow our business. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At the heart of it all, Brownwood Acres is more than just a business; it’s a living tradition, a gathering place for the community, and a vibrant chapter in history. 

Our shops are not merely stores; they’re sanctuaries of nostalgia where customers come not just to shop but to engage in conversation, capture memories with photos, and immerse themselves in the charm of yesteryear. A standout event is the Torch Lake Flea Market, a legacy initiated by my grandma that has evolved into a cherished gathering for locals and visitors. Every Sunday, the grounds of Brownwood Acres buzz with vendors and their treasures, offering a unique shopping experience. 

Sundays we hold a special treat – our homemade donuts, made fresh to order. Be prepared for a wait during peak weekends, but it’s filled with warmth and camaraderie, as customers often reconnect with old friends and exchange stories of the past year. Many of our regulars come just for a chat and a coffee on the porch, soaking in the atmosphere. 

Each of our buildings has its unique tale to tell. The Country Store, dating back to 1866, once served as a stagecoach stop. Its journey across Torch Lake in 1957 became a national sensation when the building broke through the ice. Today, it stands proud, retaining its historic allure with features like swing doors and an old-fashioned floor, enchanting our visitors with its nostalgic vibe. 

The Honey House, another cherished building, was originally constructed in 1945. It has become a true Northern Michigan gift shop, brimming with Torch Lake and Brownwood merchandise, Minnetonka Moccasins, Petoskey stones, and much more, symbolizing our family’s commitment to quality and tradition. 

Our Original Kream Mustard, Famous Cherry Butter, and Cherry BBQ Sauce are the stars of our product line, with customers stocking up by the case. Brownwood Acres is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a journey into our rich history and the stunning beauty of our surroundings. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
This is tough, most of the people that come in watched me grow up. My pictures were used in our advertisements when I was a little boy and now my kids and nephews are used as props. 

I’d say most customers don’t know my secret hobby is making homemade pizzas! Even after a long day of cooking, there is something satisfying in making a meal from scratch. 

Pricing:

• Donuts – $1
• Original Kream Mustard – $7
• Famous Cherry Butter – $7
• Original Cherry BBQ – $10
• Trip to Brownwood – Priceless

Contact Info:

• Website: brownwoodacres.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownwoodacres
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followthebee/