It took the Lee family three years to open up Fresh Basket, their grocery store in Hamilton, but they did it.
Owner Anna Lee said they purchased the building, formerly a Honda dealership, and renovated it to suit their needs.
“Unfortunately, it took a lot longer than expected,” Anna’s daughter, Jane Lee, said in an email. “It’s a well-known fact that these are tough economic times, and the same goes for small business owners.”
Anna and her husband James have been in the produce industry for 18 years. They own a similar store in Hudson County, and they used to run a store, which they have since sold, in Union.
They also have partnerships in New York, where they currently live. They have lived there since they came to the United States from South Korea in 1978.
James and Anna have three children: Jane, a lawyer; Sharon, an anesthesiologist; and Brian, a West Point graduate who is training for the rank of captain. Anna said she is proud of what her children have accomplished, and she and her husband have used their businesses to teach them the importance of hard work and dedication.
Fresh Basket opened in January, and Jane said finding customers was not difficult.
“Opening up three years after finding the property might have been a blessing in disguise,” she said. Many people inquired about what our business would sell and when we told them, their friends and families in advance. The response was overwhelming.”
She said they already have several loyal customers.
“Our motto has always been to provide the best quality products at a reasonable price and ensure excellent customer service and support,” she said.
Jane said the family decided on Hamilton after seeing how “beautiful and chic” the town was.
“We immediately wanted to create a store that would cater to this wonderful town,” she said.
Fresh Basket offers a wide selection of products. They sell fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish. The store includes a deli counter and an area dedicated to plants and flowers. Specialty and imported items are also available for purchase.
Several products are available wholesale to restaurants. Those interested are encouraged to inquire.
“We have the capacity to go through our inventory several times a day to only serve our customers the freshest of products,” Jane said. “We are constantly receiving deliveries of fresh items, so you never have to worry about the quality of our products.”
Anna said she hopes to add organic products in the near future.
The store also includes a bakery. The Lees partnered up with Josephine and Peter Basilio of New York’s La Dolce Bakery, which provides Fresh Basket with cakes, cookies, and other treats. They deliver fresh-made sweets daily.
“We wanted to open up a satellite location,” Josephine Basilio said.
The bakery takes special orders for all occasions.
Jane said she hopes the store inspires customers to stay healthy.
“Good health is of the utmost importance, and we want to bestow this upon this community by offering hearty meats and fish, along with fresh produce,” she said.
Jane said one of the benefits of opening a small store is getting to know customers.
The family enjoys meeting them and seeing them return.
“We hope the support will only continue to rise,” she said.
Fresh Basket is located at 2221 Route 33. Phone: (609) 586-6900. For bakery inquiries, call (718) 356-9864.
Fresh Basket owners James and Anna Lee partnered with New York’s La Dolce Bakery. Josephine Basilio
Peter. At right is their daughter
