By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
If you’ve ever strolled down Pulaski Street, you know the spot. Big smiles, bright fruits and veggies, and a feeling that you’re right at home. That’s Johnson Produce Market— and behind it all is a man who has spent a lifetime giving his best to his community: David D. Johnson.
This isn’t just a story about selling produce. It’s about hard work, family love and a dream that’s still growing.
A Truck, a Dream, and a Lot of Heart
Johnson’s story didn’t start with a big building or fancy business cards. Nope—he began by selling fresh fruits and vegetables out of the back of his truck.
Picture a young David riding through the city streets, ready to bring good food straight to his neighbors. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t easy.
But it was real—and it was rooted in something bigger: caring for people.
Johnson has a deep connection to his roots—his grandparents were from Georgia, and family ties to the land and the community shaped his early years. Johnson recalls how his grandfather’s influence, combined with the hustle and grit of those around him, led him to this life of purposeful service.
“Growing up, I knew what it meant to work hard,” he shares. “My family was always about providing for each other, and that’s how I’ve built this business. We’ve always been about the community and making sure people have access to the things they need. Fresh produce isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.”
Staying Strong When Others Left
When big businesses started moving out of Central City, many people thought it would be smarter to leave.
Not Mr. Johnson.
In 2007, he made a bold move: he built a new, permanent home for Johnson Produce Market, right in the heart of the community.
“We weren’t going anywhere,” Johnson says with a proud smile. “We were planted here.”
He didn’t just build a market—he built hope.
And he made sure to hire local workers, giving young people real jobs and real chances to succeed.
“We didn’t want to leave,” Johnson explains. “There was no one building anything in this neighborhood, and I thought, if we’re going to do this, we need to do it here. We need to be accessible to the people who need us the most.”
Lessons You Can’t Learn in a Classroom
For David, Johnson Produce Market isn’t just about selling food—it’s about growing people, too. Through the Summer Youth Employment Program, Johnson has mentored countless young people, giving them their first jobs and teaching them real-world skills.
“We give teenagers their first taste of what it means to work hard, show up on time, and take pride in what you do,” he shares.
“I want the kids who work here to know that hard work pays off, I want them to learn that if they show up and give their best, they’ll go far.”
Many of the young people who got their start at Johnson Produce Market have gone on to launch their own businesses, a true testament to the power of passing on lessons of hard work, dedication, and community pride.
Now that’s what you call planting seeds!
Building on the Lessons of the Past
Johnson also recalls the mentorship he received from figures like the late Charlie “Chuck” Welch, whose community-driven mindset shaped the way Johnson approaches his business. Welch, a trailblazer in Toledo, made history as Ohio’s first African American to create a radio station from the ground up, The Juice FM 107.3 (WJUC).
It was through guidance like this that he realized the importance of sustaining and building upon the work of previous generations.
And while Johnson never set out to build a personal legacy, it’s clear that his actions have done just that. He doesn’t seek recognition for himself, but rather, he hopes that the work he’s done will inspire others to give back, to build, and to invest in their own communities.
Thank You, Mom and Dad
Ask Johnson where he learned his grit and heart, and he’ll tell you without hesitating: his family.
He wants the world to know:
The foundation of everything he has done, and will do, was built by two amazing people—his parents.
His father, Ben Johnson Sr., taught him the value of sticking with it, even when things get tough. Though his father passed away before David graduated college in 1982, his lessons live on.
His mother, Mary J. Johnson, who passed away in January 2025, was his biggest cheerleader and encourager.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” Johnson says.
Every peach, every watermelon, every ear of corn sold at Johnson Produce Market carries a little piece of their love.
Big Dreams on the Horizon
Johnson’s not just looking back at what’s been done—he’s looking forward.
He recently bought 21 acres of land, and he’s got huge plans:
- A greenhouse to grow fresh produce all year long
- A pavilion for farmers’ markets and family events
- Classrooms to teach kids about farming, healthy eating, and taking care of the earth
“We’re not just growing crops,” Johnson says. “We’re growing community.”
It’s more than a market. It’s a mission.
A Place Built on Love
Today, you can visit Johnson Produce Market:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
It’s a place where neighbors can gather, where young people can find work, and where families can get fresh, affordable produce. And it’s a place that will continue to grow, evolve, and serve the community for generations to come.
Johnson Produce Market is a reminder that one man—with faith, family, and a fierce love for his community—can make a lasting difference.
As he looks forward to the future of Johnson’s Produce Market, David has one final message for his customers, employees, and the community that has supported him all these years:
“We won’t disappoint you. We’ll keep it moving in the right direction.”
In the end, it’s not just about selling fruits and vegetables—it’s about nourishing the soul of a community. Because when a market is built on love, its roots grow deep, and its harvest feeds generations.
Thank you to the Johnson family for their dedication to our community. Connect with them on Facebook