Cross Road Store Opens In ClarksburgBy Susan Bush
12:00AM / Wednesday, July 05, 2006
 | | Cross Road Variety Store owners Kim and Bill Kelly and Kim Kelly's children Stephanie Sacco and Matt Sacco at store deli ordering window. |
Clarksburg -William "Bill" Kelly stood within the brand-new delicatessen space at the fully renovated, recently opened Cross Road Variety Store and reminisced about his town-based youth.
The town was a great place to grow up, Kelly said.
Kelly and his wife Kim Kelly said they are thrilled about operating a business in this town. They purchased the store building, which was a vacant property, earlier this year.
The store has been part of the community for over 60 years; it was originally owned by the Marsden family and often staffed by Ethel Mae Marsden, who penned a published town history. Other owners included members of the Pratt, Chouinard, Cutler, Mazzu, Bemis, Boucher and Choquette families.
The store last operated under the name "Pat and Henry's Variety Store."
Mail carrier Bryan Raymer was a satisfied store customer on July 5. |
The store served as a local convenience to town residents and Bill and Kim Kelly said they hope to bring that convenience back to the community. The store is stocked with a selection of grocery and convenience store merchandise as well as soft drinks, milk, beer, wine, and juices.
The clean interior boasts a table with seating for three, which may be used by those who purchase deli-counter sandwiches or breakfast items such as bagels. Sandwich meats include ham, roast beef, turkey, corn beef, and other fillings include chicken salad, tuna salad, and meatballs. A breakfast sandwich is available, as are English muffins and toast, with options such as cream cheese, peanut butter, and jelly. Traditional baked muffins are offered.
Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs add to the menu and store fare includes soups.
Bill Kelly said that he is happy and proud to be part of the town and is eager for folks to come and visit the new site.
"It's a lot of fun, bringing the store back to the community," he said.
The store opened with little fanfare on June 5 and a grand opening is planned for Saturday, July 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., he said. A raffle, free deli samples and free popcorn will be part of the opening celebration.
Renovations included major work on the building's electrical and plumbing systems as well as the heating equipment. The work took about three months to complete and was a family effort. Much assistance came from his father-in-law, Tony Pedercini, Bill Kelly said. Almost every part of the store was repaired and renovated in some way, said the couple.
"We were very positive throughout this whole thing," said Kim Kelly. "We knew what we wanted to do."
The store continues as a family undertaking; Kim Kelly's children Matt Sacco and Stephanie Sacco help out, Kim and Bill Kelly said. And Bill Kelly is anticipating a visit later this year from his son Robert Kelly and grandson Jerod Kelly, who live in Zephyr Hills, Florida. Showing off the store will likely be a highlight of the visit.
Bill Kelly worked as a truck driver for the Roadway Express trucking firm for 18 years, and Kim Kelly spent about four years as a Hoosac Bank teller. Kim Kelly also previously operated several small businesses, including "Partyworks."
An exterior view of Cross Road Variety Store, 28 Cross Road, Clarksburg, Mass.. |
"People seem pleased when they come in to the store," said Kim Kelly.
The deli is gaining popularity quickly, said Bill Kelly.
"The sandwiches are all made fresh," he said. "There is nothing pre-packaged."
At least two people gave a spontaneous thumbs-up to the store and the sandwiches; during the interview, U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Bryan Raymer ordered a sandwich from the store. A few moments later, from outside the store, Raymer called out to an exiting reporter "That sandwich was really good, too!"
And Bona's Garage operator Robert Bona offered approval of the store as well.
"They've done a good job in there," he said.
Cross Road Variety Store, 28 Cross Road [across from Bona's Garage at the foot of Hall's Ground Hill] is open Mon.-Thurs. from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sun., noon-7 p.m.. Information about the store and the menu may be acquired by calling 413-663-9490.
Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367. |
