Quality and exceptional good taste have been the hallmarks of Stonewall Kitchen since its beginning in 1991. Sixteen years ago, we set up our three-foot square card table at the local farmers market, displaying proudly the few dozen vinegars and jams we had finished hand labeling just hours before. There was no way we could have imagined the breadth of journey we were about to begin.

Named for the graceful stonewalls that surrounded the original farm where the business took off from; the growth of the company has been remarkable. The "hands on" philosophy of the co-owners is the feeling that flows through every facet of Stonewall Kitchen today. The extraordinary journey of two friends who were waiters, cooks and avid gardeners has captured the interest of many and the loyalty of every employee.

We started our business with a passion for food, in a small home kitchen in Hampton NH. Family and friends helped bottle, label and box products to take each weekend to farmer's markets and craft fairs throughout New England. As our products became popular favorites and our company grew, we moved out of our kitchen and into larger quarters on a farm in Kittery, Maine. A converted barn was used for production, offices and distribution center for more than two years.

In the early summer of 1995, the company's need to expand led to relocation for all aspects of the business. We moved to a new location in York, Maine to open our first Company Store. This same year, we were honored with the top national award for Outstanding Product Line at the NASFT Fancy Food Show in New York City. Garnering attention across the United States, orders for our products flooded in. Our staff grew, warehouse space needs increased, retail space was not adequate and we soon began looking for another new home for Stonewall Kitchen. In the year 2000, we proudly opened our 55,000 sq. ft. headquarters on what is now known as Stonewall Lane in York, Maine.

Today, Stonewall Kitchen boasts over 6,000 wholesale accounts nationwide, thriving catalog and web divisions and eight company stores. New in 2003 was the Stonewall Kitchen Cafe, a casual bistro located adjacent to the flagship store in York. Our staff now totals over two-hundred, and five new stores within New England have been opened in the past several years. Our entire product line continues to be one of the most awarded in the industry year after year. Plans are being developed to open more company stores in New England and to continue to grow all divisions.

For us, the success of Stonewall Kitchen is more than just a reflection of our talents and resourcefulness as chefs and gardeners in creating a line of award-winning, nationally recognized specialty foods. It is a testament to the art of preserve making and the growing public interest in wholesome, healthy and tasty ingredients. We have a passion for food, and our products are made to be feasts for the eyes and the palate. They are true tributes to our native New England agriculture. Fresh ingredients of the highest quality are all we use in our innovative and delicious recipes…simple good food beautifully packaged and bursting with true flavor.

We hope that you enjoy trying all of our products, and know that we will meet your highest expectations for superior specialty foods and become one of our many loyal customers.

Jonathan King (right below) was born in Massachusetts, graduated from Londonderry High School in New Hampshire and summered with his five siblings in Cape Neddick, Maine throughout his childhood. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire and holds a BA in Psychology and a minor in Sociology and Fine Arts. After graduating college he pursued a career in hotel management and was resident manager of a historical Connecticut inn. Eventually settling on the coast of Maine, he discovered a deep passion for cultivating plants. Working in greenhouses during the day and restaurants at night fostered his combined talents for horticulture and cuisine, laying the foundation of what would become Stonewall Kitchen in 1991. He serves as President and Creative Director of the company.

James Stott (left above) was born and raised in Methuen, Massachusetts and graduated from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. After graduating, Jim owned a residential construction firm in the seacoast area of New Hampshire. While earning extra money as a waiter at the renowned Blue Strawberry Restaurant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, he met and collaborated with Jonathan King to create Stonewall Kitchen in 1991 and currently is Vice President of the company. Jim's passion for food and his involvement in many areas of the business have culminated in his recent decision to take on the responsibilities of staff photographer.

Jonathan and Jim together as Stonewall Kitchen have been awarded the Governor's Business Excellence Award for the State of Maine, and were selected as the choice for Entrepreneurial Business of the Year by the Small Business Association of the State of Maine in 2002. Year after year, their specialty foods are awarded prestigious NAFST awards for their products and packaging.