A Potato Worth Knowing
At Trail Hub, we believe every ingredient on your plate should have a story and ideally, a local one. For our potatoes, that story begins just 30 kilometres away at Thompson Potato Farm in East Gwillimbury, where six generations of farmers have been turning soil into something extraordinary.
From hand-planted seed potatoes to crispy golden fries served at Nest, these humble tubers carry a legacy of care, pride, and flavour that deserves to be celebrated.
Six Generations in the Making
Thompson Potato Farm's roots run deep, literally and figuratively. The family began farming in Canada over a century ago, with Don Thompson establishing the East Gwillimbury operation in 1943. Originally a dairy and potato farm, it evolved over decades into a dedicated potato producer, serving everyone from neighbours stopping by the farm stand to restaurants across Ontario.
As R.J. Thompson proudly shares, "Every generation of my family that came to Canada was farming here. My great-great-grandfather farmed up the road, and in the mid-50s, he bought this farm."
Today, the farm is helmed by John and his son R.J., alongside B.J. Thompson, who manages operations and customer relationships. Even the next generation is already lending a hand, keeping the tradition alive. The Thompsons farm a couple hundred acres, growing and harvesting potatoes that are washed, sorted, and bagged on-site before making their way to markets, wholesalers, and, of course, Trail Hub.
From Seed to Spud
Seeing potatoes arrive at Nest is one thing. Seeing where they begin is another. In mid-summer, the fields at Thompson Potato Farm are a sea of green flowering plants, the above-ground clue to the treasure growing below. Each potato starts life as a seed potato (yes, an actual potato), planted in rich soil and left to bulk up underground.
The growing season has its "make or break" moments, especially when the tubers are sizing up, but with experience passed down through generations, the Thompsons know how to coax the best from their fields. Once harvested, the potatoes go through a careful process: a pre-soak to loosen the soil, a thorough wash with sponges and brushes, and hand-sorting to separate the perfect #1 stock from the rest.
A Local Connection You Can Taste
For the Thompsons, "local" isn't just a marketing term. "It's a pride thing really. I like seeing that restaurants that we deliver to — like you guys — have our stuff on the menu. It's kind of a cool thing." B.J. Thompson shared with us.
Since Thompson potatoes travel such a short distance to Trail Hub, we often receive them within days of harvest, ensuring maximum freshness and minimal food miles.
At Nest, that freshness shows up in all kinds of ways: perfectly crisp fries, creamy mash, roasted sides, and the kind of potato dishes that make you want to linger over the last bite.
More Than a Side Dish
Knowing that the same potatoes we serve were grown, dug, and washed by a family just down the road makes every plate a little more meaningful. And as B.J. puts it "Coming straight to you guys… that's what farm to table is all about."
It's not just about flavour, though that's certainly there. it's about the connection between farmer, chef, and guest. Every time you enjoy a potato dish at Nest, you're part of a chain that starts in an East Gwillimbury field and ends with a satisfied smile at your table.
Bringing Ontario's Best Potatoes to Your Plate
Whether you're hiking our trails, gathering for lunch, or hosting a private event, we invite you to taste the difference that truly local produce makes. The potatoes in your meal come with six generations of expertise, a short trip from farm to kitchen, and the unmistakable flavour of Ontario's best.
Reserve your table at Nest and enjoy a farm-to-table experience where even the simplest ingredients, like a perfectly cooked potato, tell a story worth savouring.
About the Author
Trail Hub is your premier destination for adventure in the Greater Toronto Area. Situated in the Durham Region, we are trailside to more than 240 km of trails perfect for biking, hiking, disc golf, and skiing. Our chalet offers farm-to-table dining, breathtaking vistas, and memorable events such as corporate gatherings and weddings. Immerse yourself in the nature and vibrant community at Trail Hub.
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