Chimacum Farmstand Owners Plan New Kitchen at Former Farm’s Reach Site, Despite Permit Delays

The owners of Chimacum Corner Farmstand plan to transform the former Farm’s Reach property that they purchased into a commercial kitchen and expanded food hub, aiming to increase prepared food offerings for customers while adding a drive-through and walk-up service window.

Farmstand owners Katy McCoy and Phil Vogelzang intend to build on the store’s focus on local food systems and regional economic development. Progress had slowed as the project awaited final approval from Jefferson County’s permitting process, but it finally arrived on July 12.

Farmstand General Manager Nicole Witham said the delay had stretched weeks beyond expectations, despite regular follow-ups from the project’s contractor and architect.

“There’s nothing controversial about the plan,” Witham said. “It’s very standard construction. Our goal is just to create something that serves the community.”

A local investment

The redevelopment plan for the Farm’s Reach site calls for a production kitchen equipped with commercial cooking infrastructure, allowing the store to expand its ready-to-eat meal line, deli items, and other prepared foods sourced from regional producers. The store currently prepares its meals in the kitchen at Finnriver Cidery across the road, sharing it with several other food businesses.

Customers would be able to order food through a new drive-through lane or at a walk-up window, with outdoor seating available on a rebuilt deck.

For Vogelzang, the project reflects a broader commitment to keeping investment local.

“This is local people spending money with local contractors and local designers,” he said. “We’re creating jobs and supporting other businesses at the same time.”

“It’s about building something durable,” he said. “A system that supports local producers and gives people more reasons to stop here.”

Balancing growth and constraints

The expansion comes at a transitional moment for Vogelzang and his wife, who are starting to think about positioning the Farmstand for success after decades of running it and alongside careers in medicine.

“We’re both thinking about passing this on at some point,” Vogelzang said. “What makes that possible is the strength of our team and the loyalty of our customers.”

Still, infrastructure limitations in the Chimacum Corner area continue to shape what is possible. A long-discussed sewer expansion from Port Hadlock remains unresolved, leaving many businesses reliant on constrained septic systems.

“We’re guardedly optimistic,” Vogelzang said. “But right now, we’re working within limits that make expansion difficult.”

Jefferson County commissioner Heidi Eisenhour, who has discussed sewer extension with Vogelzang and other local business owners, told the Beacon that it is too early to speak with much certainty about the potential for the project.

The issue affects multiple businesses at the intersection, which serves as a key gateway into Jefferson County. Without expanded wastewater capacity, development options remain restricted, including basic needs such as additional restrooms. The Farmstand’s septic system allows for only one bathroom, according to Vogelzang, which is why the store’s Customer bathroom is a porta potty in the parking lot.

“It’s a bottleneck,” Vogelzang said. “If we had better infrastructure, it would open up a lot of opportunity.”

Community context

The Farm’s Reach redevelopment is unfolding alongside broader changes in the area, including plans for new workforce housing nearby and ongoing discussions about trail and pedestrian connections.

Vogelzang said these projects could help strengthen Chimacum Corner as a hub for both residents and visitors.

“This intersection is the first real cluster of businesses people see coming into the county,” he said. “There’s a lot of potential here.”

Witham noted that community interest in the Farm’s Reach site has grown, with residents following updates and asking questions online. “People are curious about what’s happening,” she said. “We’ve tried to be transparent and explain that this is something we think will be good for the community.”

For now, however, the timeline hinges on a single outstanding approval. “We’re ready to go,” Witham said. “We just need that final step.”

Despite the delays, Vogelzang remains focused on the long-term vision.

“We’ve learned to be patient,” he said. “You never know what’s coming next, but if you keep building something solid, it can last.”