New family owners take over ownership at Sisters Harvest Basket

Sisters Harvest Basket has new owners. Gordon and Renee Wilson took over the reins on May 1, though they’d been learning the ropes prior to that from previous owners Melvin and Sandy Herburger.

The Wilsons are recently married and had been dreaming of owning a small family business. Renee, who moved to Sisters six years ago with her three children, was a regular customer at Sisters Harvest Basket. When the opportunity arose to purchase it, all the doors opened and the family walked through.

“My family owned a small variety store and then a restaurant in Yamhill when I was growing up,” said Renee. She longed to be able to offer her children a similar opportunity to work together and learn a work ethic. So far, Sisters Harvest Basket is set to do just that.

The previous employees are all staying on, and in addition to Renee’s three teens Jacob, 13, Kamm, 15, and Rebecca, 16, they’ve hired several more teenagers. The teens love the fast pace of the store, said Renee, and they’re proving to be hard workers. The Wilsons appreciate the continuity and gracious encouragement of all their employees.

The Wilsons plan to expand the food preparation area with a commercial kitchen which will be available for caterers to use. With the increased space, they’ll be able to offer even more of the lunch fare that Sisters Harvest Basket is becoming known for. Sandwiches, wraps, enchiladas, soups and salads, are all made by hand every day.

Gordon noted that the kitchen crew will make special orders if customers can’t find what they are looking for in the deli case.

There are four things the Wilsons say are key to the foundation of the business - the famous Sisters Harvest Basket smoothies, lunch items, service, and produce. The Wilson’s are quick to credit the Herburgers for creating such a solid core for new owners to build on.

The smoothies will continue to use fresh, local fruit and new combinations are sure to arise. Be sure to ask for the Happy Dance, a recent concoction.

The success of the lunch items is due to their availability and the speed at which special orders can be put out. Many of their customers are grab-and-go high schoolers who appreciate quick service.

The Wilsons are all about service, and keeping Sisters business in town. They’ll special order items for customers, bag and deliver orders, and if the door is locked and someone is still on-site, they’ll always open the door.

“We’re here to serve people,” said Gordon.

Produce is treated tenderly and always presented fresh. The store carries a mix of organic and non-organic, to suit every budget and preference.

Regular customers will notice new product lines over the coming months, said Gordon.

The legacy of community involvement that Sisters Harvest Basket is known for will continue, said the Wilsons. They are open to sponsoring 4-H projects and sports teams, and encourage community projects needing business support.

Sisters Harvest Basket is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 110 S. Spruce St.