Imagine a place so welcoming, so homey, that it’s like you’ve taken, “a trip back in the past.” Imagine rows and rows of organic fruit trees nestled sweetly in the hills of the Western Slope of Colorado. A fruit-lover’s paradise exists, and it can be found at Big B’s Fruit Company in Hotchkiss, CO.
Tony’s Meats & Market CEO Daniel Rosacci, family (and dogs) in tow, paid a visit to Big B’s this summer to meet with Jeff Schwartz, owner of Big B’s Fruit Company, and tour the ~30-acre orchard. “All of your team members are always welcome with us as friends & family,” Jeff told Daniel after their visit, further demonstrating the hospitality and kindness of Big B’s.
“Jeff is just the nicest guy in the world,” Daniel recalls. “He was out walking us around the fields on crutches!”
Not to worry, though! Jeff has plenty of help. He and his family not only work the fields and run the business; they live right on the farm to be closer to the day-to-day operations and, of course, the fruit!
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“WHEN YOU STEP INTO DELICIOUS ORCHARDS, YOU STEP INTO A TIME WHEN EVERYTHING IS SIMPLE: GOOD FOOD AND GOOD FRIENDS ARE ABUNDANT AND ENTERTAINMENT IS A ROPE HANGING FROM A TREE BRANCH. COME ENJOY OUR FRESH PRODUCE, HOMEMADE CIDERS, AND JUICES. SWING FROM A TREE AND SIP LEMONADE. EAT HOMEMADE PIE. RELAX AND ENJOY.” – Big B’s
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so stop by Tony’s to support Big B’s with a purchase of their delicious cider. (The spiced cider is great hot or cold, so it’s the perfect option for our crazy Colorado weather!)
Fun Fact: The Big B’s orchard was planted in 1965 by Bob Kokes to include a variety of apples, cherries, pears, peaches, plums, and nectarines. He and Bernie Heideman started the juice company in 1973, making it an even older Colorado staple than Tony’s, which was founded in 1978.