Kylie Melons grows to become Kylie Melons Market

By Courtney Warren 

Most locals not only know Kylie Melons, but now use the corner store as a landmark in Canton. Owned by Kylie Warren, the name recently underwent a change and is now known as Kylie Melons Market. 

In the summer of 2011, Warren and his family first began selling watermelons from the back of a pickup truck on the lot of Warren Used Cars. Since then, Kylie Melons Market has come a long way. 

“In June of 2019, we officially began to add more produce to offer customers,” remembers Warren. “We started with some tomatoes, peaches, and cantaloupes.  It was also that summer that we set up our tents and displays in front of the current building in which we are now.”

“We then added Mama’s Rice Krispy’s, as well as her town favorite peanut brittle to the menu. Then came the plums, sweet corn, and fresh shelled peas and butterbeans.”

That next month, Warren said, “We added a crowd favorite, the boiled peanuts!  We were officially a roadside produce stand!”

That fall, with the purchase of their first cooler and the addition of mums, pumpkins, and haybales, Warren said, “God opened the door for us to begin growing. During the closed months, we added a new member to the family, as our first baby girl was born.”

While many struggled during the pandemic, Warren said the business was blessed enough to continue to grow in both family members and products. 

“With new paint, new produce tables, and a new look, we were now open on the inside of the building, as well. That year, 2020, was an exciting year for us, as we also added items from local vendors like lettuce, honey, salsas, pepper jellies, fresh baked breads, casseroles, and more,” he said.

As they continue to grow, the Warren family says they remain grateful to the citizens and visitors of Canton. 

Warren explained that God’s Word gives them the keys to success. 

“These keys are like secrets, but even better.  One thing we have learned is when you make His business your business, He will make His business your business. Matthew 6:33 King James Version says, ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’”

“All the success we’ve ever received is from Him. God’s plans are greater than ours on our best day, and it’s fun to trust Him,” said Warren.

The market currently offers a bigger selection of fruits and vegetables as well as an array of assorted local products from casseroles, seafood, beef, and pork to milk, ice cream, dips, and homemade cakes and pies.  

“Before each person comes into the store, whether they are frequent customers or first-time guests, we would love for them to know how much we appreciate them,” said Warren. “There’s a wonderful feeling of thankfulness and gratitude that we have for all of our friends who chose us.”

“We have a fun saying that we borrowed from our pastor that we love to tell them: ‘The first you come, you are a visitor. The next time you come, you are family.’ And that’s exactly the way it is at Kylie Melons. Our customers are family,” said Warren. 

What started out as a pickup truck of watermelons grew into what is now Kylie Melons Market.