By Kevin Williams
My brother and sister-in-law and their family recently stopped by Yoder's Country Market in Bulls Gap, Tennessee.
It's interesting because she first texted me and told me that they were visiting Yoder's Amish store and wanted to know if I wanted anything from there (sheesh, that's a tough call. The answer would always be "of course", but I'm already a few fried pies over my weight limit for the year, so I demurred). Â So I politely declined. But then I got to thinking....there aren't any Amish near Bulls Gap, TN, are there? Â If anyone knows for sure, please let me know. I think there could be some plain Mennonites in the area.
Anyway, the market appears to be really nice, clean, well-stocked, and full of yummy stuff. Â Is it "Amish?" Â Likely not. Â The store looks fully electric, etc., Â But, interestingly, the store doesn't claim to be Amish. Â I think Yoder is just a name so synonymous with the Amish that people jump on that conclusion and the place does sell a ton of Amish-style goods so calling it an "Amish store" isn't totally inaccurate. Â The store is owned by a Yoder.
What is the point of all this rambling? Â None, really. Â It seems like a neat store and if you're in the area and haven't visited an actual Amish-owned bulk food store this seems like a pretty good compromise. Â It's just sort of an interesting exercise of how linked the name Yoder is to Amish. Â If the guy's last name were Clark or Williams, the name might not work. Â Okay, so here are some tasty scenes from Yoder's. Â Sheesh, look at that huge doughnut my niece, Reese, is holding.
Yoder's Country Market
brenda
well is that a real cutie with the donut or what ?? she also seems to have a bit of a twinkle in her eye that hints at a fun young lady.
Does anyone know if Mr. Yoder might be the beginning of a new group of Amish for the area ? how long has he been there ? I know nosey aren't I
Denise
The owners/managers could be Mennonite. There are some Mennonite folks here in Tennessee.
Scott
I shop here. Yes, they are definitely Mennonites, most of the Mennonite women that work there wear modest dress and bonnets. There's a significant number of Mennonites in East Tennessee. Their community also has a local business that builds yard barns.
Kevin
Scott, thank you for the information and for stopping by Amish365!
Carol
I live not too far from this area but have never been to this market. As far as I know there is not an Amish or Mennonite presence in this area. I did see on their facebook page that the couple that does the baking for them has a last name of Hochstettler and one person had commented about the owners being Mennonite. If I find out anything further I will post it.
Kevin
Thanks, Carol, I'd be interested to learn more!
Carolyn
Love the little girls eyes. She's a beauty.
Lisa
Here in S.C. in the upstate, we have Mennonite folks with businesses, one of them is Hochstetler's Market, and Yoder's which is a home improvement center, and a really good restaurant -Dienner's.
Kevin
Dienner's is on my list of "places I must try" sometime!:)
hmchelen
That is one big doughnut. The other pastry in bag looked big too. So yoummy but could see it adding pounds to my body which is already over weight.
Deb
last time I was there, i got the best smoked ham hocks, wish I had gotten more, Is there a way to order them on line???? I live to far to just make a special trip there.
Tom Galbreath
The store is owned by a Mennonite family. They are great people and Kore and Anna are from the old order amish. There sons and daughters are running the store. A great family I have known for years and their store is tops!! Stop by and visit.
Dan
I'm not sure what they are classified now probably Mennonite but they have roots back to the old order Amish in Central PA. I knew them well when they lived in PA and now continue to visit the family when I pass thru with my family! I lost touch for many years but alas the world of Facebook reconnected me to them! LOL! They have a great little store. I highly recommend everything. You won't be disappointed!
Kevin
Thanks,Dan, I'll be sure to stop in on my next swing through that area!
Iris
I want to visit Yoders store but I do not wear a mask. Is that a problem?
Kevin Williams
Tennessee does not have a mask mandate, but individual stores might...I doubt they do, but you might want to check, they have a facebook page here where you can ask questions.