Paul's Fruit Market is celebrating 70 years of encouraging customers to shop locally

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - History informs us about what's old.

The words could not be more true than for Paul's Fruit Market. The market arguably played a role in the "buying local" movement before it became popular.

The business launched in 1945 with owner Paul Thienemen selling fruits and veggies from home grown farmers. Back then, it was a way of life, but as time changed so did the grocery game.

Large corporate chains started selling products shipped in from around the world. "We've grown incredibly in that time," said Jimmy Warren, manager of Paul's Fruit Market.

Paul has stayed true to its vision and its business blossomed.

Max Weber is a faithful customer who said he shops at the market at least once a week.

The business has grown from six workers at a fruit stand in 1945 to 200 employees and four stores across Louisville in the present day.

Customers are loyal.

"The closer to the ground you get your food the more nutritious it is," said Sally Buckey, another of the market's regular customers.

One might say the company plants seeds of prosperity in the community." Ninety-five percent of people that walk through the front door, I know on a first name basis. My job is more like selling quality product to some good friends," Warren explained.

This week, WDRB visited the St. Matthews location to learn tricks of the trade.

One of the charms of Paul's Market is the attire. All employees are required to look and feel the part.

As WDRB toured the store, Warren dropped a bit of a surprise. He admitted some of the produce is not always from local sources. "Some of the items this time of year, we're not lucky enough to get them locally, obviously," Warren explained. So you got to look elsewhere, to Georgia for your corn, or California for your carrots."

But the principles on which the company was founded ring true: know the grower, how it's grown and quality above all.

It's not just fruits and veggies. WDRB found cookies from New Albany, marinara sauce from St. Matthews and honey from Crestwood, along with sweet stories of success lingering among workers.

"I've been at Paul's about 16 years now," said Lisa Rose.

I've worked at Paul's for about five years," said Tabitha Wright.

Paul's Market is celebrating 70 years in business and is now the largest vendor of Kentucky proud products.

"Now buying local is cool again," Warren said.

Warren also said to be a part of a current trend after 70 years of business, he's delighted to never change. "It's not broken, no sense trying to fix it," Warren said.