A True Family Tree
How did a small orchard in Colts Neck become a 60,000 square foot country food market attracting more than 2.5 million visitors annually?
In 1974, under the ownership of the Barclay family, a young produce stocker named Bill McDonald was hired. Bill would go on to learn all aspects of the business, but he hit a real home run in developing a produce department where only the product with the highest quality and freshness was put on display. Bill’s hard work led to many opportunities such as being promoted to the core management team at 20 years old, becoming an owning partner, and then saving enough money to eventually buy out the other owners.
During his early years at the store, Bill did get into a little trouble from his boss for taking extra-long breaks with a particular fellow employee. That young woman would turn out to be the love of his life, Linda. Bill and Linda would go on to raise four children and instill their strong work ethic, family values, and desire to make D.O. a great place to work and shop. Keri, Chris, Mike and Erin all grew up in the family business, have become vital members of the operation, and now have growing families of their own. Today, when they are not having fun with their eleven grandchildren (seriously, there are 11!), Bill is in the produce department tending to his produce displays and Linda is over in the Coffee department helping customers.
The McDonald Family has shaped the operation you see today. They have focused on enhancing the shopping experience and have made additions like our annual outdoor festivals, charity events, Juice bar, Cider Café, Fritter Shack, Seafood Department and Personal Shopping. But by no means are they done, as they work to usher in a variety of new products across produce, bakery, deli and grocery while keeping the classic recipes that kept customers coming back generation after generation. They have also expanded the year-round online gift-giving service to ship more D.O. essentials to customers all across the United States.
Anyone who knows the McDonald’s will realize that the “D.O. family” also extends to the dedicated staff and loyal customers. On any given day, you will see members of the McDonald family working side by side with staff and engaging with customers. The goal has always been to make Delicious Orchards feel like home to any and all who pass through our doors.
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so special to know the evolution/history, both past and present …I moved from Colts Neck once my boys went off to college and graduate schools…
I leave now in upper NJ but always come do to DO for every holiday and buy 20 to thirty pies cider donuts…and your Carol always help me with these big order…Your staff are short of magical…
God bless the entire DO family…
We love this place! It’s one-of-a-kind in every way. We’ve been coming for years & have lots of favorites. There’s no place like it. It’s amazing! Almost like a local trip to Disneyland for lovers of sweets. You’ve got to come and enjoy. You’ll be back often.
I just love this family story, Linda and Bill and all the crew! You are so photogenic and it is such a true story. We are so thankful that you are supporting our 41st Crop Hunger Walk with a Water stop sponsorship of $500. Bless you all! and may I pick up two boxes of delicious apples on Oct. 15th? Should I call Kathy in the office, or will you call me.
xxoo Janie and George Schildge
I remember going to delicious orchards as a child, I’m coming back to NJ this week for a wedding and you are number one on the list of places to see again. Are you still able to pick Apples? I can’t wait for the donuts they were the best and so were your pies!
Hi McDonald family – I used to be stationed at NAD Earle, now referred to as NWS Earle from 68 to 70 and I lived in Monmouth and Ocean counties until 83 when I moved back to Pa. I used to work with Nadine Hughes. I think she was a Barclay before getting married. I always loved getting the fresh baked apple pies and apples. I’m planning a visit to the area later this year and I plan on stopping in for some apple pie and apples. Sounds like you folks have done a great job improving the business. Looking forward to my upcoming visit. Regards, Ron Morrison
The McDonald family is truly one special group of devoted people. I have been shopping at DO since 1970 and have been thrilled to watch as the little orchard has developed into a wonderful gourmet destination. Thank you to all the McDonalds who have made DO the speciality food capital of Colts Neck.
THis is such a wonderful story and one that needs to be heard more often. Thank you so much for sharing this with the community! I am a 25+ year representative of a company called E3live and through my relationship with this company I feel and experience also the concept of a family-owned business. E3live is the master harvester of blue green algae, one that is particularly called AFA, is wild crafted and harvested from a fresh water and pristine lake in Oregon. This is just one of our superfoods. I would appreciate the opportunity to share more information with you on these organic and kosher superfoods that so many juice bars, supplement stores, wellness center, gyms and individuals love. Thank you in advance.
I found Delicious Orchards after a Saturday’s wrestling practice at CBA. Back then, 1965-66, you could get a paper cup for $0.05 and drink all of the fresh apple cider you wanted. We’d drink that great apple cider until we developed a “brain freeze”. I’ve never been back, but am amazed at what it’s become.
God Bless, Tom