Published February 13. 2023 09:43AM
by Terry Ahner tahner@tnonline.com
A Mahoning Township business plans to expand its operation.
Ryan and Jan Wentz, owners of Yenser’s Tree Farm, discussed their intentions with the township’s board of supervisors on Wednesday.
Jan Wentz said the business has outgrown its current setup, selling products out of its garage.
Because of that growth, the couple said they would like to build a 5,000-square-foot pole building on their property at 1910 Mahoning Drive East
The pole building would be in the field to the left on the western part of their property on the opposite side of the house.
The couple said they’ve been working out of their garage, selling products such as pumpkins, Christmas trees, sunflowers and wreaths for its festivals.
Once the building is erected, they plan to be open during its three seasons.
In addition, the couple plans to add a commercial kitchen that would be open only during its festivals to sell food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, and apple cider doughnuts, along with beverages such as soda, apple cider, and a slushie machine.
The purpose of the commercial kitchen, the couple said, is so the business does not have to be dependent on food trucks.
However, to use the space other than that, people would have to rent the place from them in the offseason for events such as birthday parties, anniversary parties, weddings and banquets.
The couple intends to attend the township’s planning commission meeting on Wednesday to discuss plans.
Jan said the farm started in 1971, and they are third generation.
They hope to have the building up in time for their Sunflower Festival, held the first weekend in August.