Today we’d like to introduce you to Dixie Gillman
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Three generations of Gillmans have farmed the Farmhouse property since the 1970s, and the family has traditionally sold their sweet strawberries to a wholesale market. But owners Lee and Dixie wanted to have a more direct link with their customers, and wanted to offer a family friendly market that featured their homegrown produce and a small selection of sweets and snacks. In 2023, the family opened “The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms”, a seasonal shop open October – May. During strawberry season, the country boutique offers strawberry shortcake, strawberry dessert pizza and other seasonal desserts, In 2024, sandwiches and more hearty snacks were added to the menu.
The Farmhouse also sells a variety of gift items made by local vendors, honeys, jams, jellies and more. The venue occasionally sponsors music nights with local musicians, usually free to the community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The shop has been widely embraced by locals, and is growing in notoriety due to social media and fantastic word of mouth advertising. The shop is “off the beaten path’ from most Plant City landmarks, but is conveniently located next to Keel Farms and Winery, which have been incredibly supportive in the Farmhouse’s initial years.
We’ve been impressed with The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a cute little shop surrounded by acres of sweet strawberries and farmland. We offer a relaxed place to unwind and enjoy a shortcake, milkshake or other seasonal dessert, or a great place to grab a quick but delicious Cuban sandwich on your lunch break.
We are located just a mile or two from Interstate 4 (Exit 17) between Orlando and Tampa. The farm owners are usually on site and happy to chat about the innerworkings of the strawberry industry.
One of our best selling desserts is the Strawberry Pizza, “a cheesecake on a cookie crust”, topped with strawberry glaze and fresh Florida strawberries.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Start with your strengths and get great help. Our crew of primarily ladies are the engine behind everything, and their smiling faces make all the difference.
Also, know your product, and your industry and be willing to share it with your guests. Be authentic, and realize that folks are coming to you for a fun experience, but most are from a totally different lifestyle. Be patient with questions because you’re going to get a lot of them.
Pricing:
- Whole Strawberry Pizza $30, Slice $6
- Strawberry Shortcake $6
- Milkshakes $5
- Sandwiches $8-13
Contact Info:
- Instagram: fhgillmanfarms
- Facebook: The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms
