By Kate Bartlett
The Rusty Rooster in Portville is a family-owned business offering unique homewares, gifts, woodwork as well as a full chocolate and candy shop. Located in a historic tannery boiler house from the 1880’s, the building provides 6000 sq. ft. of rustic industrial/farmhouse chic atmosphere for their eclectic collection of goods.
Jean Smith opened the shop in 2019 as a way for her and her husband to showcase their woodworking and move their online business out of their home. “My husband, Justin, and I had been working from our house, selling our products online, but realized we need a bigger space to work and store our architectural salvage,” explains Jean. “We decided to sell home décor along with our woodworking, creating a shop of primitive farmhouse décor.”
During the pandemic, Jean and Justin expanded the shop, doubling its size and creating room for a larger variety of goods. “It was good to have a project during this time,” says Jean. “It served as a productive outlet and gave us a beautifully large space.”
Rusty Rooster sells an eclectic variety of goods including florals, candles, woodwork, farmhouse, lodge and faith décor, braided rugs, kitchen wares and more. The shop carries Portville shirts and is an authorized St Bonaventure Manufacturer of metal signs, ornaments, charcuterie boards, etc. as both Jean and Justin are Bonnie Alumni. “We have something for everyone,” says Jean. “We have a variety of vintage salvage items as well as new wares and unique finds.”
Jean and Justin have both been woodworking for over 10 years, and run 2 sawmills, one can mill logs up to 76” in diameter. Both specialize in different aspects of the process. Jean does the more artistic epoxy and finishing work while Justin runs the mills and does the processing. They’ve found a niche in large, live edge slabs, which are often used for tables and/or sold to other craftsman for both professional and DIY projects. Over the years, they’ve created a variety of products, including coffee tables, mantles, shelves and charcuterie boards. They’ve also completed many custom orders, and a variety of their projects can be found in the shop.
The shop has evolved over the years, and expanded to include specialty gourmet chocolates and truffles in 2022. “We saw the opportunity for a specialty chocolate shop in the area,” explains Jean. “We decided to carry a variety of regional and local food products in addition to our home goods, gifts, and woodworking.” The Chocolate Roost carries specialty chocolates, nostalgic candy, Finger Lakes Coffee, local honey, syrup, Amish Country popcorn, dips, salsas, mustards and more.
Jean enjoys the variability and capriciousness of owning a shop. “It’s something different every day,” says Jean. “We change the décor seasonally, and we are always looking for new things to introduce into the shop. We strive to evolve and change with the needs of the community, and ourselves.” Jean is also thankful for her incredible staff, including Melanie Demers, store manager, and the support of our amazing community! “I’m so grateful for their dedication and hard-work over the years. We couldn’t do it without them.”
The Rusty Rooster hosts a variety of events throughout the year to bring the community together and show their appreciation to their customers. The last Saturday in July marks their Makers Market that showcases local vendors and promote other craftsman in the community. “We’re proud that this event has grown to include over 40 vendors this year,” explains Melanie. “All items must be homemade. It’s a great event for our whole community.”
Harvest Day is an annual fall celebration that offers free apple cider pressing, donuts, music and activities to show customer appreciation the first Saturday of October each year. Santa also makes a seasonal visit, bringing a bit of holiday magic to the community every year.
Shopping local and supporting small businesses is important all-year-round, but especially during the holiday season. “We offer something special in our store,” says Jean. “Our eclectic variety is always changing; there’s something for everyone.”
Stop into Rusty Rooster Farm & Vintage and The Chocolate Roost, located at 484 Highland Terrace in Portville, NY, open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-4pm or call (716) 904-2807 and follow on social media (@RsutyRoosterVintage) for seasonal updates. Just a few minutes from Sprague’s restaurant I promise it’s worth the drive!