Kreider’s Market

Photos by Meghan Newberry Ryan and Sandra Kreider

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer

Enjoy good food made to order, to eat in or take out, along with the freshest possible produce from Kreider’s Market. The familyfriendly store is also your one stop for all your everyday needs, including grocery staples, tasty treats, and Citgo gas and diesel. Located on the Lancaster County side of the Octorara Reservoir, on Route 472 at 2396 Kirkwood Pike in Kirkwood, the familyowned business has been a vital feature of the community for the past 37 years. Founded by Lloyd Kreider and his wife Mary Lois in 1985, Kreider’s Market opened with Mary Lois making sandwiches and managing the store while Lloyd focused on the produce side of the market. Transitioning to a new generation, the store is now owned and operated by the couple’s son Ryan and his wife Sandra. Lloyd is still growing corn tomatoes and cantaloupe on the farm that surrounds the store, along with some of the pumpkins that are a popular staple in the fall. They make sure customers will find the freshest corn through the summer by staggered plantings so that there will be very fresh white and bi-color corn all season long. Because produce is all fresh and local, enjoy your favorites when they are at the peak of flavor. That includes seasonal milkshake flavors like strawberry, blueberry and peach in season, as well as milkshakes in standard ice cream flavors. If shakes are not your favorites, enjoy soft serve from April through October and hand dipped ice cream year-round. If you are looking for a light snack of a full meal, check out Kreider’s menu for hot or cold subs and sandwiches, steaks, breakfast sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads and other great food. Because all menu items are made to order any item can be customized to your taste.

Fishermen bound for the Octorara Reservoir can find bait for their hooks, and everyone can enjoy the beauty of fresh flower arrangements through the growing season, mums in the fall and holiday décor. Over the years, Kreider’s Market has grown and it continues to do so. The latest addition is a dining area that can seat over 40 people. Eat in, or at the outdoor picnic tables where there is a playground for the youngsters and beautiful sunsets to view. “We remodeled the entire store in 2020 and added the indoor seating,” Sandra Kreider said. “People say they love it. It’s a beautiful place to sit and meet a friend.” Kreider’s Market has always had a strong following in the community. During the Covid-19 pandemic the store was there to serve when it was needed most. “Actually, during the pandemic we already had established take out and we had gas and groceries, so we didn’t have to close at all. We became one of the few places that was open that had take out,” Sandra Kreider said. Although there is no delivery, you can still call ahead with your food order to pick up and eat on site or to take away. Food orders may be placed in advance by phone to 717–529–6944, so they are ready to pick up when you arrive. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed Sundays. Every Wednesday is Senior Discount Day. Seniors take 10 percent off most items (excludes gas, stamps, cigarettes, fresh flowers, milk, and newspapers). More information is available on their website at www.kreidersmarket.com, plus you can find them on Facebook under Kreider’s Market.