The jar of plenty

New Kauneonga Lake shop offers food and friendliness

By JACQUELINE HERMAN
Posted 5/26/22

KAUNEONGA LAKE, NY — For a store of its size, Mason Jar Specialty Food is packed with delicious edibles. From locally produced items in the freezer and refrigerator cases to shelved items and …

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The jar of plenty

New Kauneonga Lake shop offers food and friendliness

Posted

KAUNEONGA LAKE, NY — For a store of its size, Mason Jar Specialty Food is packed with delicious edibles. From locally produced items in the freezer and refrigerator cases to shelved items and produce, it offers the local public a chance to buy entertainment-style items and everyday groceries nearby.

For the owner, Lucas Grecky, it’s a dream that finally materialized.

He has owned a seasonal home in Smallwood since 2015. Grecky said he loves the area and saw a need to “fill a void,” so that one can buy food without the need to travel 20 minutes to Monticello or Liberty.

And he grows some of the food, too. He also has a permanent residence in Orange County where the tomatoes and basil sold in the store are grown in his garden.

With a total of 25 years in the food industry—as a buyer and grocery manager, and as an account manager—in the five boroughs of New York City, Grecky brings experience and a friendly personality to his sole proprietorship here.

He signed the lease on March 1 and was ready to open by April 15.

Although he is still bringing in more merchandise, the store offers a wide selection. Easily accessible at 3575 Rte. 55 in Kauneonga Lake, it offers an array of cheeses, drinks, cookies, dips, coffees, teas, bread, dressings and poultry.

It is not intended to be a health food store, Grecky said, but there are some gluten-free and vegan-friendly options. The refrigerator holds free-range eggs and local duck eggs; microgreens (which he grows from sprouts); almond, oat and organic milk; a variety of cold-brew coffees, teas and juice. There are even treats for children, such as plant-based gummies and licorice without food dyes or artificial sweeteners.

And of course, you can find fruit, pickles, pasta and other grocery items.

Some of his bestsellers include the chocolate-covered nuts and horseradish dips. He is planning to expand the selection to include more cheeses, which are selling well, dipping oils, fresh bread and prepared salads.

When asked how he chose the name of the store, he replied that he uses Mason jars for a variety of things, such as storing brewed coffee, teas (passion tea is a favorite) and canning produce at home.

Merchandise can be ordered online at MasonJarSpecialtyFood@gmail.com. There is no home delivery. Orders can be picked up at the store and shelf-stable items can be mailed to you, with an estimated delivery time of two to five days. Hours are weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store is closed on Tuesdays.

Reach the Mason Jar by calling 845/583-3074 or find them on social media.

Mason Jar Specialty Food, Lucas Grecky, Smallwood, food store

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