Pop’s House of Country Collectibles Interview- January 13th, 2022
Ruth Carter
We got the opportunity to have some sit down time with the co-owner and manager of Pop’s House to talk about her business on a more personal level. We see Ruth and her busy husband Jeff every week at the Sodus Farmer’s Market, however we have never had the chance to sit down and really talk about their business or even visit them at their shop in Sodus Point.
We did get to go to their home as their beloved grandson Jonathan, is a great friend of ours and supporter of KnC! Although just a young boy, he showed a deep interest in worms and doing his own worm bin, so we had the opportunity to go to his home and take him a bin, some worms, and teach him how to manage the worms. Although it may have added work to Jeff and Ruth, they supported him and now they have more than one bin!
If you have never gone out to take a walk through this store, do it! It will be one of our places to search out unique and special gifts because it is filled with cool things! We were both in awe walking through this gift shop! There is always something to be said when you walk into a place and feel welcomed and feel as though you are embraced in a warm hug while you are there.
So, let’s get started.
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How and why did you decide to go into this business?
My grandfather passed away in 2005. He was a pillar in our family, and I was very close to him. At the time I was working at the Kraft Shack, and it was prior to the business going into the wedding end of the business. There were so many people doing phenomenal crafts and creative things and had no outlet to sell them.
After my grandfather passed, we put his home up for sale. My mother, Joan Carter, who is the other co-owner of Pop’s House, and I were talking one day, and I said to her that it would be great to have a place to sell these amazing crafts. We got an offer on the house, and it fell through. It was after that, my mom walked in with a pad of paper and a pen and said let’s start that business.
Of course, the home had a kitchen, and I began to make pies and soups. The food end of the business just blossomed and soon we started into family style cooking, casseroles, catering, we do events, markets and now we have a full menu!
All our food is made fresh, and our pies are made with fresh fruits.
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What is the most important thing that you would like people to know about your business?
I get to work with my mother. That we are here. It is hard at times because other places near our shop have closed and so people don’t know we are here providing unique one-of-a-kind gifts! You will not find two of anything in this store!
On the food end of the business, look at our menu! Everything is made fresh for you as you desire!
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How did you come up with the name of your business?
That was a little bit of a struggle because my grandfather was called Papa. After a lot of discussion, we decided on Pop’s House because it was originally his house!
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What is unique about your business?
The gift shop is full of unique gifts from all over and there are some on consignment. We do a gift shop and the fresh cooking. We do A LOT of pies! This year we sold 117 pies at the Purple Painted Lady! We just started making Cocoa Bombs!
Right now, we are looking for a stand-up freezer with a glass front so people can just come into the store and choose a pie they want.
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What makes you most excited about your business?
Making pies- I literally get lost in it. I love doing the events. It is a lot of fun! Working with people. I have had so many great reviews and it makes you know you are doing the right thing when others are enjoying what you are creating. Working for myself. That is always a big plus!
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What is it that you most want people to know about your business?
That we are here! Come out and see us! That we are quite unique in what we are doing as we honestly have one-of-a-kind gifts! Take a look at our menu and see what you would like to try! Come see us at the market – drop in to say hello or enjoy the pies, cookies, and other foods we provide while you walk around!
You can reach us on Facebook
We are located at:
8101 Margaretta Road
Sodus Point, NY
Phone: 315-483-4439
Hours: Wednesday- Saturday 11am – 5:30pm (they are currently closed for their regular business hours but are going to resume them sometime in March. We encourage you to like them on Facebook so you can instantly know what events they have coming up).
If you haven’t gotten a chance to support this amazing local business, we urge you to do so and feel free to let them know that the “Worm Ladies”, sent you 😊.
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