Business Buzz
What began as a modest neighborhood market has grown into a small business hub along Route 9 in Absecon.
Brothers Yogesh Patel and Rakesh Patel opened Gokul Farmers Market at 209 S. Route 9 in 2008. The store quickly gained a loyal following for its wide selection of fresh produce, full grocery offerings and international food items.
As customer demand increased, the original space became increasingly crowded. The brothers recognized the need to expand in order to better serve their growing customer base.
Over time, Gokul Farmers Market broadened its inventory to include popular products from Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and South America, alongside traditional American grocery staples. In recent years, the Patels completed the approval process for their current 8,000-square-foot store, allowing them to offer a more spacious and organized shopping experience.
“What sets the store apart from competitors is its diverse international selection, combined with fresh produce and everyday essentials, all under one roof,” Yogesh Patel said.
In an era dominated by big-box retailers, differentiation has been key to the store’s success. Customers have come to expect specialty items not typically found at larger chains.
“We listen to our customers,” Rakesh Patel said. “If there is demand for a particular item, we do our best to stock it.”
That customer-first philosophy has remained central to the business since its early days.
In November 2025, the brothers made another strategic decision, choosing not to lease adjacent space. Instead, they opened Absecon Laundromat, a newly built, state-of-the-art facility next to the market. The bright, clean space is outfitted with new equipment and offers added convenience for customers, who can shop for groceries while doing their laundry.
The latest addition to the growing plaza is Rosie’s Pizza, owned by Dev Patel, with a projected opening in May 2026. The 1,500-square-foot restaurant will focus primarily on takeout, with limited seating, and will be the owner’s first location.
“The restaurant will offer a unique blend of classic pizza and American-Indian fusion cuisine,” Dev Patel said. “It’s designed to appeal to both traditional pizza lovers and customers looking for bold, international flavors.”
The menu will feature specialty pizzas such as paneer tikka, chicken tikka, butter chicken, spicy masala and tandoori chicken. Additional offerings will include Indian street foods like vada pav, pav bhaji, samosas, chaat varieties, dosa and uthappam.
The plaza will also feature authentic Mexican cuisine prepared by chef Moyo, known for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos.
Together, Yogesh, Rakesh and Dev Patel have transformed Gokul Plaza into a family-run destination that reflects years of hard work, collaboration and community support.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by and explore the growing collection of locally owned businesses at 209 S. Route 9 in Absecon — and to continue supporting small businesses throughout the region.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-226-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
