The Before Dawn Crew

We’d like to introduce you to some of our Westford crew members who arrive verrrrrry early in the morning to get the day going. Connie, Ralph and Frankie have each been with us for about 25 years (that’s a lot of sunrises!), and we’re extra grateful for their dedication and teamwork.

From flipping burgers at our very first Grill Shack to picking up golf balls on the range to making sure we have all the supplies we need across many departments, this crew is instrumental in keeping our day-to-day operation running like a top. We’re honored to have been able to say “Good Morning!” to them all these years!

Tell us what you do at the Farm, and what some of your past jobs have been?

Connie: I bake and work the counter at the Westford Country Store & Café. When we used to sell flowers at the Carlisle location, I helped with that sometimes too.

Ralph: I pick up golf balls with the tractor and drive the ice cream truck. I used to do a lot of cooking at the Grill when it first opened (just hamburgers and hot dogs back in the day—the classics!).

Frankie: I receive orders of supplies and food across a few departments. For many years, when the Grill & Seafood Shack first opened, I did a lot of cooking—which could be challenging at times, but also very rewarding.

What time do you arrive, and what do you like about starting so early?

Connie: I get in a little before 5:00am—I love that it’s nice and quiet, and there are no interruptions. But I also love when our regulars start coming in around 6:30 for their coffee and breakfast.

Ralph: I arrive between 4:30-5:00am and love it. It’s just so nice and peaceful. I get started picking up the golf balls right away, and get to see the sun come up. And sometimes there’s a lot of wildlife out and about.

Frankie: I’ve always been a morning person—it’s the best part of the day. Everything is so peaceful and quiet, the earth is just waking up and the sunrise is so beautiful. Back in the day the first thing I would do when I got here is wake up the chickens. I would tell them ‘You’re on the payroll, no sleeping!’ Today I get started right away by cleaning up and making sure all of the freezers and refrigerators are stocked and ready to go.

In what way has Kimball Farm changed most over the years?

Connie: All of the new activities!

Ralph: When I started we were just the ice cream stand and driving range… so much has been added over the years, it’s really incredible.

Frankie: There are so many more people working here now. And of course all of the activities and things that weren’t here 15 years ago. Sometimes I look back and am amazed at all the changes.

What’s one of your favorite memories from “the good old days”?

Connie: Back in the ‘90s Kimball’s hosted an annual BBQ festival called “The Pig & Pepper,” where local vendors served up delicious plates like ribs, brisket and smoked chicken. Naturally Kimball’s was there to provide dessert… I would work the Kimball’s station and hand out our warm apple crisp with homemade vanilla ice cream, which hit the spot extra good after some BBQ!

Ralph: I used to work at the Golf Shack on Sundays and at lunchtime Kay Kimball would bring us out a big lunch, something like turkey dinner, pot roast, or ham dinner, which was so nice of her and we all appreciated it more than she probably realized.

Frankie: I miss some of the Kimball family who used to work here—Kay, Stanley and Chris are the reason I’m still here. We had so many fun times and they always made me feel like part of the family.

What is something about the area where you work that might surprise people?

Connie: Many people still don’t know that the Westford Country Store & Café is open all year long.

Ralph: Driving the ice cream truck is more than just driving… I help load and unload it too!

Frankie: There are so many details related to filling orders and making sure we have enough product—a lot goes into making sure we rarely run out of the things our customers are looking forward to enjoying (but with popular items during our peak season, it inevitably happens!).

What’s your favorite thing to order at the Ice Cream Stand, Country Store or Grill?

Connie: The Grill’s Haddock Bites, followed by some Orange Chocolate Chip ice cream.

Ralph: I love to get a Sausage and Egg breakfast sandwich at the Café. You can’t beat the Grill’s fried clams, and my order at the ice cream stand is usually coffee or chocolate.

Frankie: It’s hard to pick a favorite item—but one of my favorite things to do when I take a break is visit the crew members working the food stands to say hello!

So much happens behind the scenes and before the sun comes up! Next time you’re driving down Littleton Road at 6:30am, don’t forget the Café crew has been baking and brewing and has your breakfast ready. Check out our Westford Country Store & Café hours here, and if you’re lucky enough to see Connie, Ralph or Frankie, be sure to say good morning!