Recently, the MRCOOL® team had the pleasure of visiting Garrett Farms.
When we pulled into the parking lot on a blazing July morning, the dashboard read 94 degrees. Yet somehow, the heat felt different here. Maybe it was the open countryside, the gentle breeze sweeping across the fields, or the unmistakable feeling that we'd arrived somewhere special.
The farm sits along a Kentucky backroad, where rolling farmland stretches toward the horizon and time seems to move just a little slower. The endless blue Kentucky sky, dotted with bright white clouds looked almost painted into place. We took it all in.
A freshly painted red bench welcomed visitors to pause for a bit, while colorful murals of farm-fresh produce, hand-dipped ice cream, and a cheerful pastel piglet added a playful charm to the storefront. Customers chatted comfortably on the covered veranda, and it was immediately clear why locals speak so highly of this family-owned destination.
For many of us, it was our first visit. It certainly won't be our last.
Beating the Heat: Southern Summer Challenges for Open Kitchens
The moment we stepped inside, the smell of farm-fresh produce, locally raised meats, and home-cooked meals drifted from Garrett Farms' open kitchen, triggering our appetites. Their menu looked delicious, and every plate leaving the kitchen overflowed with fresh ingredients!
While the farm's team made operations look effortless, co-owner Mariana Garrett reminded us that running a bustling open kitchen during a Southern summer comes with serious climate control challenges when outdoor temperatures climb well into the 90s. Mariana knows that keeping both guests and employees comfortable requires more than exceptional food. It requires creating an environment where people actually want to linger. Despite the busy morning rush, Mariana and her father, co-owner Danny Garrett, stepped away from their work to greet us as though we were old friends. That kind of welcome is simply part of who they are.
It's also why Garrett Farms has become much more than a local farm market. It's become a gathering place where neighbors catch up over lunch, travelers discover an unexpected gem during a Kentucky road trip, and families return again and again.
With the kitchen being open, it disperses a lot of heat throughout the building from cooking most of the business day. It was difficult to find the right solution for consistent cooling until we installed the Mini-Split Systems,” says Mariana. “The MRCOOL® Mini-Split Systems are exactly what we need.
To beat the relentless July heat and keep the environment comfortable for both staff and diners, the store utilizes two MRCOOL® 36K DIY® Single Zone Mini-Split Systems. Thanks to these energy-efficient units, customers can browse the aisles in crisp, cool comfort.
Supporting Local Artisans and Kentucky Traditions
Those aisles are worth exploring. Rows of colorful produce and artisan Kentucky-made goods fill the shelves to offer delicious options for beginner cooks to professional chefs. From locally sourced honey and Bar-B-Q sauce to juicy peaches, crisp watermelons, and homegrown pickling cucumbers, the shop has something for everyone. You can even find unique specialty items like Jimbo's Jalapeno Flaming Hot Mustard and Fitz’s Rootbeer.
Garrett Farms is also proud to carry Season and Shadow Seasoning Blends. By stocking these products, the store participates in the Season and Shadow Program, a wonderful initiative featuring the signature seasoning blends of Top Chef finalist Sara Bradley that helps support survivors of domestic violence.
Making our way through the shop, we passed the indoor dining area, complete with classic red-checkered tablecloths, which leads out to a casual outdoor seating area equipped with tables and umbrellas.
Beyond the patio, the farm opens up to lush greenhouses, vibrant wildflowers, and a quaint petting zoo, which was next on our agenda. We couldn’t wait to meet the day-old, baby goat! The petting zoo is a hit for families, giving visitors a chance to get up close and personal with friendly farm animals, providing an interactive, hands-on feeding experience that children and adults love.
Optimizing Business Flow with the MRCOOL® Compact Refrigeration System
To round out our tour, Danny led us into their cooling storage facilities. There, he shared the inspiring history behind his business and his deep appreciation for how the farm and his loyal customers have kept him motivated to stay active and live his best life through difficult times.
Danny showed us the heart of their preservation operations, where they recently installed MRCOOL® Compact Refrigeration Systems to optimize their business flow.
We had two Compact Refrigeration Systems installed in our food coolers a few months ago. The difference is night and day for our business,” Danny shared. “Our produce stays fresher and groceries keep longer because the temperature is reliably maintained in food storage and remains accurately within safety guidelines.
The HVAC and refrigeration systems are an investment in the operational efficiency and longevity of a local small business, directly supporting the Kentucky farm-to-table mission.
From farm-fresh ingredients preserved at peak freshness to a cool, welcoming shopping area, Garrett Farms is a testament to how local tradition and modern cooling technology can come together perfectly. And it’s a fun destination for families and food-lovers alike.
Garrett Farms creates experiences that remind you why supporting local matters.
Want to keep up with their latest seasonal events, fresh produce arrivals, and farm updates? Be sure to follow the Garrett Farms Facebook Page and plan your visit today!
If you need a system you can count on, learn more about the MRCOOL® Compact Refrigeration System.
FAQs
How can mini-split systems solve climate control challenges in open-concept farm markets and commercial kitchens?
Open kitchens generate intense, localized heat that traditional central systems struggle to balance, causing temperatures to skyrocket in retail spaces. As highlighted in our Kentucky small business spotlight on Garrett Farms, installing targeted units like the MRCOOL® 36K DIY® Single Zone Mini-Split provides a powerful localized setup. These units handle high heat loads independently, ensuring energy-efficient farm heating and cooling that keeps both busy kitchen staff and browsing customers comfortable without driving up utility bills.
Why are specialized compact refrigeration systems critical for farm-to-table climate control?
For operations dedicated to supporting Kentucky’s agriculture, maintaining the cold chain is vital for food safety and profit margins. Standard commercial coolers can experience frequent temperature swings that accelerate food spoilage. Advanced solutions like the MRCOOL® Compact Refrigeration Systems (CRS) ensure that food storage temperatures remain steady and accurately within health guidelines. This precise farm-to-table climate control significantly extends the shelf life of produce and locally raised meats, reducing waste and supporting sustainable farm management.
Can small business owners manage a MRCOOL® DIY® HVAC installation without operational downtime?
Yes. One of the biggest hurdles to supporting local Kentucky farmers and rural business owners is the high cost and scheduling delays associated with commercial HVAC technicians. A do-it-yourself installation bypasses this obstacle by utilizing patented, pre-charged Quick Connect® line sets. This allows business owners to install and scale their climate systems on their own timeline, even over a weekend or outside of business hours, reducing costs in professional labor while avoiding any interruption to daily customer operations.
How does investing in modern farm climate control solutions impact the growth of local agricultural businesses?
High, unpredictable energy bills can eliminate the narrow profit margins of small agricultural operations. Upgrading to smart, variable-speed farm climate control solutions lowers overhead expenses by drawing only the precise amount of power needed at any given time. By controlling operational costs with the high-efficiency MRCOOL® systems like those at Garrett Farms, small businesses can reinvest their savings into expanding seasonal events, upgrading facilities, and continuing their mission of providing fresh, high-quality goods to the local community.