Cahaba Heights Business Spotlight: Murphree’s Market

As the second oldest business in Cahaba Heights under original ownership, Murphree’s market has provided an open-air produce market with a “hometown feel” for nearly four decades. 2016 will be its 38th year in business.

“We try to be real personal to people and remember them when they come in and ask them how their product was,” Brad Murphree said. 

Brad’s dad, Gene Murphree, started the market in 1978, and today both of them and Brad’s mom Kathy can be found working there.

Brad said their main “bread and butter” is produce, but they also sell seasonal spring and fall flowers as well as Christmas trees, wreaths and garland fresh out of North Carolina for the holidays. In the fall, they offer 10 varieties of ornamental pumpkins through Thanksgiving. 

When possible, they stock local produce. In the summer you can find corn, squash okra, seasonal fresh shelled peas, watermelon, tomatoes, peaches and more supplied by Alabama farmers. 

“Our specialty is supplying people with freshest produce at best possible prices,” Brad said.

In the winter, much of their produce comes from Florida, Texas and California.

In addition to produce and greenery, Murphree’s has an expanding selection of other grocery goods. Their most popular non-produce items are a line of Amish products including canned goods, fresh butter and cheese, bacon and a few meats.

They also sell gluten-free baked goods from The Funky Muffin, located on U.S. 280, and cinnamon and orange rolls from Birmingham-based Millie Ray’s.

Murphree’s, 4212 Dolly Ridge Road, is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 967-8590 or visit murphreesmarket.com.