Family-run businesses last for generations, not because of the building or product or services but because of the knowledge, work ethic and passion that is passed down to the younger generations from those who helped create and build the company’s success.

Trentwood Farms, with locations in Southgate and Woodhaven, is a family owned and operated retailer of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, premium deli products, groceries, and a lot more. The origins and blueprint for Trentwood Farms’ success and growth began many years earlier in Dearborn.

In 1983, Arthur Hughes (known as Art to his customers) opened the Dearborn Farm Market, a beloved and neighborhood favorite that he ran for 35 years.

It was his caring personality and the personal relationships he created with his customers over the years that made Hughes a familiar and popular figure for three-plus decades in west Dearborn.

“My grandfather started the family business with Dearborn Farm Market and it was the first of three stores,” said his grandson, Samuel Hughes. “Dearborn was where my dad’s (Patrick Hughes) excellence came from, gaining experience from my grandfather. He made sure his business was managed properly with thorough instructions.”

At the top of the instruction list was and still is customer service.

“It has always been the biggest factor in running our business,” Hughes said. “As we are always respectful, trust their words and make sure they leave our stores with a smile. We carry the business with our hearts and take pride in everything we do.”

Art Hughes, who passed away in 2019, opened Trentwood Farm Market in Woodhaven in 1987. Patrick Hughes expanded Trentwood Farm Market when he added the Southgate location in 2010.

“My father worked underneath my grandfather when he was at Dearborn, eventually leading up to his promotion to store manager/owner of Trentwood,” said Samuel, who grew up in New Boston and learned a lot from both men over the years.

“I have learned a lot from my dad,” he said. “I was never into the business, but slowly gained interest. My grandfather and father both showed me how to be a hard worker. They taught me how to be kind, respectful and work for the love of our families as well as our customers.”

Trentwood Farms, which has around 125 employees between the two locations, is a high-quality store with local produce, fresh meat and deli. They offer many unique specials throughout the stores and feature a loyalty program where customers earn points every time they make a purchase. Once they reach 50,000 points, they earn a $25 in-store coupon.

“We always carry local items as well as seasonal arrangements,” Hughes said. “Most of our produce from summer/early fall is mostly Michigan grown. We have a large selection of annual flowers, seasonal pumpkins and other items for certain times of year.”

Hughes is proud to be carrying on the family tradition and enjoys telling people the family-run business is here to stay.

“I dedicate every day to my parents and the legacy my grandfather left us,” he said. “I only want to learn more and engage in more opportunities every day.”

Trentwood Farms is located at 11055 Allen Road in Southgate and 16135 West Road in Woodhaven. For more information, visit trentwoodfarms.com.