Comeau’s Farm Market: Growth, One Cardboard Cutout at a Time

How a family-run market used Western REN’s Continuous Improvement program to turn a big idea into a better future.

Comeau’s Farm Market in Metegan has been a local institution since 1985, when Adrien Comeau’s grandfather first opened the doors with a simple, powerful vision: to provide Clare with fresh, high-quality produce straight from the family farm. Over the years, the business has grown—along with the Comeau family—and today the market offers not only fruits and vegetables, but fresh bread, handmade meals, sushi, ice cream, jams, pickles, lobster sandwiches and more.

The secret to their success? According to Adrien, who started working at the market at the ripe old age of 13, it’s a combination of hard work, family pride, and a willingness to evolve.

But even the most successful businesses can hit a wall—literally. “Our kitchen was just too small,” Adrien said. “We were working long hours just to keep up with demand. We had one table to do everything—rappie pie, cookies, sandwiches—it was getting harder and harder to operate efficiently.”

The need to expand was obvious. But planning an expansion that works for a fast-moving, multi-faceted food business isn’t easy.

That’s when Adrien reached out to the Western REN and enrolled in the Continuous Improvement (CI) Program.

Making Space for Success

Through the CI program, Comeau’s was connected with consultant Paul Kaulback, who spent a full week with Adrien and the team to plan the expansion. What happened next was part science, part art—and totally hands-on.

“I had cardboard cutouts of all our equipment,” Adrien said. “We booked a room at the local fire hall, laid everything out on the floor, and literally moved things around until the layout made sense. Paul asked the right questions, and we kept adjusting until the workflow was just right—products coming in, being made, and going out smoothly.”

This kind of intentional planning—focusing on flow, efficiency, and future flexibility—is the heart of the Continuous Improvement approach. It’s not just about doing more; it’s about doing it better.

“We looked at our growth, too,” Adrien added. “Paul had worked with me back in 2021, and when we reviewed our sales data, we saw a big increase. That was exciting—it confirmed we were moving in the right direction.”

Local Roots, Regional Reach

Comeau’s is proudly rooted in Western Nova Scotia. They source flour from Halifax, produce from the Valley, and deliver everything from bread to sushi from Yarmouth all the way to Canning. Their current reach includes over a dozen wholesale partners and continues to grow.

With the new expansion, they’re not only making life easier for their current staff of 35–37 employees, they are creating the potential for more jobs, more products, and more growth.

“Before, one person had to use the same table for everything. Now we’re going to have three stations,” said Adrien. “That means we can take on more orders, maybe offer new products like scones or cakes—things we’ve never had the space to do before.”

A Model for Others

When asked what he’d say to another business owner thinking about expansion, Adrien didn’t hesitate: “I’d definitely recommend the CI program and working with someone like Paul. He opened up my eyes to what was possible. He helped me see the big picture—and make it real.”

Comeau’s Farm Market continues to evolve, just like the family behind it. But one thing hasn’t changed: a commitment to delivering the freshest, highest-quality food to their community, every day.

With the help of Western REN’s Continuous Improvement program, they’ve turned a crowded kitchen into a streamlined operation — and a big dream into a bigger future.

Thinking about expanding your business but not sure where to start? The Western REN’s Continuous Improvement program can help you map out your next move efficiently and strategically. Whether you’re facing space constraints, production challenges, or growth opportunities, we’re here to support your success. Reach out today to see how we can help your business grow smarter.

Email us for more: BusinessNow@WesternREN.ca

Comeau’s Farm Market online: http://www.comeausfarmmarket.com/