Founders Jeff Garstka and Tom Gorski met while working for a high-tech company in the Boston area. Tired of working in the corporate world, the pair knew they wanted to start a business together.

The trouble was deciding what kind of business. One sunny November day when they were sitting in Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH drinking coffee, Tom looked at Jeff and said 'Let's make our own marinara sauce." Jeff's first reaction was "that's nuts," but after 10 minutes and a few more sips of coffee he said " Lets go for it!"

The next day, they were doing research including everything from investigating the market, to developing and testing recipes, and learning about Food and Drug Administration standards and health codes.

The result is a line of salsas that range from the spicy Four Pepper to the sweet tanginess of the Cranberry Salsa. Each with its own distinct taste and texture There is also an Appledore Cove line of jams and jellies that includes flavors from a classic Wild Blueberry to the unique Spiced Tomato.

All of the actual production takes place in the kitchen at Belle Peppers on Congress Street in Portsmouth. Working after the restaurant closes, the men spend several days a week cooking and the rest is on the road, marketing and delivering Appledore Cove products. Appledore Cove products may be found in only 70 stores - including Ferns Country Store!

What you'll find at Ferns

Cranberry Salsa (A vital ingredient in our Cranberry Bog Signature Sandwich!)
Four Pepper Salsa
Black Bean Salsa
Wild Blueberry Jam
Apple Pear Jam
Brown Ale Honey Mustard

As Jeff and Tom say: "We're not saving the world… we're just trying to make it a bit tastier."

Find out more at http://www.AppledoreCove.com