The Hangry Vegetable Market, located in Logan Township, Gloucester County, has joined forces with South Jersey Glory Days as our presenting fall season sponsor for Kingsway Regional High!
The family-owned market offers healthy vegetable options throughout the spring and summer seasons with fresh Jersey corn, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, peaches, figs and plenty more available.
A 2013 Kingsway graduate, owner and CEO Billy Leone was a standout athlete for the Dragons and went on to wrestle at Baker University. He took over the business that was formerly known as the “Jersey Side Stand” from his father, Russell Leone, last year. Shortly after, he rebranded the name to “The Hangry Vegetable” in hopes of attracting more customers — and it certainly hasn’t disappointed.
The Leones often have Kingsway athletes work in the shop during the summer months. Billy’s younger brother, Joey, is a rising senior at Kingsway and wrestles for the Dragons. He frequently works at the market.
Get to know owner Billy Leone as correspondent Brian Tortella asked him some questions ahead of the fall season:
Tortella: What made you want to take over the family business?
Leone: We have been in the farming industry for three generations and we decided it was time to start a farm stand to bring us closer to our community.
Tortella: What’s your favorite part of running the Hangry Vegetable?
Leone: Getting to know the people in my community.
Tortella: Why did you change the name of the market and what inspired you to change it to “The Hangry Vegetable?”
Leone: Originally when we opened the stand it was going to be right over the bridge on 322 — that’s why it was called the Jersey Side Stand. When we relocated, we decided to change the name to The Hangry Vegetable.
Tortella: What’s your best selling or fan favorite item?
Leone: Pickles — with a close second, honey.
Tortella: Throwback to your athletic days — what was it like wrestling for the Dragons and at Baker University?
Leone: I loved wrestling for Kingsway and Baker. It was an honor and, more importantly, the people I’ve met while participating are some of my best friends to this day.
Tortella: How are you and your team able to maintain more than 400 acres of farmland?
Leone: That’s more of my mom (April) and dad (Russell). I just sell their vegetables. (Said with a laugh)
Tortella: Any message to young kids looking to start their own business?
Leone: Don’t be scared to get it wrong. We all learn by making mistakes and taking chances. If you’re willing to hustle, good things will happen.
The Hangry Vegetable Market will be closing Labor Day weekend but will still have events for you to keep your eye on this fall, including their annual corn hole tournament and Hangry car show.
As part of our partnership, we will also bring you a monthly Q&A with a Kingsway Regional High athlete.
Contact Brian Tortella: btortreportssj@gmail.com
