Keeping Covered Bridge Market traditions alive

Just six months into the pandemic, Robert Jordan decided that he would change the course of his life and avoid the closure of a beloved local icon, the Newfield Covered Bridge Market & Pizzeria.

After being an on-again, off-again employee of the Covered Bridge Market, Jordan had come back to help out owners Rodney Heffron and Amy Yengo. Upon learning of their desire to retire from the business after 37 years, he decided to buy it in September 2020 and carry on a beloved Newfield tradition.

“I saw something great in that firm foundation and decided I wanted to keep it going,” he said. “With word of mouth, welcoming ambiance and great people, I consider my first year of success. Our attention to details like remembering customers’ names and their order preferences has helped personalize our relationship with customers who spread their positive experience by word of mouth throughout Newfield.”

Facing challenges such as lack of staffing and difficulty obtaining supplies and ingredients, Jordan has downsized the menu for the time being and is exploring new possibilities with the space.

“I’m looking to feature events here such as wine and design evenings and Sunday-themed events every week,” Jordan said.

The pizzeria and cafe side of the market still boasts a collection of tantalizing offerings, made from scratch and made to order. With eclectic offerings such as their signature Reuben pizza and sausage chili to their calzones and grilled sandwiches, there’s something to accommodate every taste. From the handmade dough to the made-from-scratch chili, the love that goes into the menu offerings is evident.

Jordan has also remained committed to maintaining and providing much-needed items to the Newfield community through the market side of the business. Along with the expected grocery staples that this iconic market has always offered, it boasts a large selection of unique grocery items as well. The store continues to provide an accessible collection of goods at reasonable prices, ranging from vanilla beans and capers to holiday-themed cereals and quirky alcoholic beverages.

Jordan credits his first year of success to the wonderful community he is in. Jordan is committed to giving back to the community, particularly by partnering with businesses like the Sebring Inn and Cudlin’s Meat Market.

“I’m fostering a much-needed sense of camaraderie during a difficult time,” Jordan said. “We all pull together for fundraisers and events. In August, we held a barbecue chicken benefit for the Newfield rec department. Sebring provided beverages and the baked beans. We got the meat from Cudlin’s. We pulled together and try to [give] back to the community that we love and has supported us.”

Although Jordan considers the first year of his ownership a success, he is affected by the national shortage of staffing and supplies like most businesses. He feels he has been blessed with committed people who have stuck by him.

Apryll Clark, long-time morning kitchen manager, continued on with her role when Jordan took over and has been integral to the continued success. In referencing her long-standing role with the market, Clark said, “We don’t really have titles for our positions because we’re all family here.”

Overall Jordan feels that the community support has been overwhelming. While speaking with me about his first year, customer Rachel Hamilton stopped by and introduced herself.

“Rob has the best food ever and the best food in Newfield,” she said. “In fact, I’ll be back for dinner tonight!”

Beaming with pride, Jordan explained that that’s the reason he didn’t want to change much since taking over from the old owners — the quality was so high and he saw no reason to change something that was working so well. He added that he has tweaked certain menu items and added things, but much has remained the same.

“We still have our rotating, homemade seasonal soups that we all take turns picking and making,” he said. “I’ve started bringing my 10-year-old son in to teach him how to make the dough. One day, I hope he’ll want to take this place over and keep it going. I want to build something that will stay with our family and be there for his future.”

The Newfield Covered Bridge Market & Pizzeria is located at 176 Main St. in Newfield. Call them at (607) 564-9901.