Pictured is second, third, and fourth generation or the Friske family!
FRISKE ORCHARDS & FARM MARKET
The Friske Family
Our family's farming journey began in 1962 and continues to flourish into the third generation! Founded by our grandparents, Richard and Olga Friske, who were seeking a new beginning in America as young German immigrants, Friske Orchards and Farm Market has evolved into a renowned Northern Michigan destination. We've grown from humble beginnings, nurtured by the dedication of each generation.
In 1983, Richard Jr. and brother Neil took the reigns as partners, expanding the farm and wholesale operations. Neil left the farm in '93 to pursue other personal ambitions, leaving Richard Jr. as sole proprietor for the next 25+ years. In 2000, Richard Jr. purchased Elzinga's centennial farm market on US Highway 31 in Atwood, completed renovations, and officially opened the first retail location of Friske Farm Market - just 2 miles from our main farm on Doctor Road.
The transition of ownership to the third generation began in 2019, when Richard and Wendy's three children (Heidi, Richard III, and Jonathan) decided continue the family legacy and bring the vision of a new and exciting Friske Farm Experience to the natives and visitors of Northern Michigan. Welcome! We're so grateful you are here.
THE FIRST GEN
In 1952, newlyweds, Richard and Olga Friske, left war-torn Germany in search of a new beginning and brighter future in the land of opportunity – America!
During their first 10 years in America they worked very hard at a variety of occupations and businesses, and their three children- Judy, Richard Jr. and Neil were born. But soon, their agrarian roots pulled them back to farming…
THE SECOND GEN - 1983
In 1983 Richard and Olga officially handed the reins over to Richard Jr. and Neil, but still enjoyed being involved in a less demanding capacity for many years!
As the years went on, the second generation started their families and expanded the farm by growing many new fruit crops. In 1993 Neil left the business to pursue other interests, while Richard and his wife Wendy continued to run Friske Orchards.
FRISKE FARM MARKET - 2000
Big, exciting changes! The retail farm stand moved from an old building at the farm on Doctor Road to an extensively renovated farm market on Highway 31 in Atwood (formerly Elzinga’s Centennial Farm). Judy came back to the family business as general manager of the new retail operation for the first 7 years and continues to have an important role to this day!
The expansion allowed Friske’s to go from small-scale selling of our fruit, homemade jams and baked goods to drawing thousands of new visitors and tourists! The new market included not only a Fruit Stand and Bakery, but a Cafe, Gift Shop, Marketplace of specialty foods, and the addition of annual events, festivals and school and group tours.
PRESENT DAY!
In 2019, Richard and Wendy's three children: Heidi, Richard III and Jonathan, became third-generation owners in both family businesses - Friske Orchards Inc. and Friske Orchards Farm Market Inc.
In Fall of '22, we broke ground on the BRAND NEW Friske Farm Market and officially opened the new facility for the first time June 5, 2023! Much hard work and dedication was required to see this new venture to fruition. IT WAS BIG. Bigger than we even imagined. Our goal? To create the kind of place we want to take our families to! A truly family friendly haven from the crazy rat race of the modern world - an experience that allows you to grow memories together with your favorite people. Every single visit.
God’s hand has most definitely blessed our family business throughout the years, in good times and in bad. We strive to keep our faith at the core of everything we do. The rich legacy we've been given isn't something we take for granted, but hope to preserve for generations to come!
The GOOD NEWS of the saving grace found in Jesus Christ is our one certain hope in this crazy upside-down world. We believe that above everything, our life’s mission is to spread the message of His profound love for everyone on thisi earth. If you’re interested in learning more about what God has done for you, we invite you to check this out!
Thank you for being here and following along with our journey as a multi-generation family farm in beautiful Northern Michigan!
