The seasonal produce business had been in the same spot next to the highway in Slocomb since 1993, selling tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, peppers, squash, zucchini, onions, and peas during the summer months. But, the tall Hendrix Farm Produce sign has been moved across the highway, and the Hendrix family is building a new produce market in front of the family’s home due to a highway expansion project.
Tony Harris, chief of ALDOT’s Media and Community Relations Bureau, said the plan is to have the first phase under construction by the end of this year. A second phase from County Road 73 to Malvern is planned for construction mid to late 2023. A third phase will add lanes between Slocomb and Hartford, but there is no schedule for that phase, Harris said.
“My daddy had one there when I was a little girl, so it’s got a lot of family history and a lot of sentimental value,” she said. While some customers may believe Hendrix Farm Produce has simply closed, others have been keeping tabs on their progress with the new building and expressing support via Facebook, Hendrix said.