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Dave Atwell owned Desperados for 19 years before trying a new venture with his package store.

Restaurateur Switches Up Career With Dave's Package Store

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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Dave's Package Store was freshened with new paint and siding, the addition of craft beers and wines, and a popular drive-up window. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Dave Atwell is celebrating a successful year in his new business venture.
 
The longtime owner of Desperados decided he wanted to get out of the restaurant business and after selling his business over a year ago came upon another opportunity.   
 
"Nineteen years of being in the restaurant business and I was looking for something different," Atwell said. "I’ve always liked this location. It has always been a liquor store and I thought I could clean it up and make it successful."
 
Atwell spruced up the package store that had been located on the corner of River and Eagle street since 1959. It was for decades known as Lopardo's but also had a short life as River Street Package Store before Atwell purchased it and opened in late February 2018.
 
"New everything," he said. "New roof, I painted the outside, new carpeting, and new coolers."
 
Atwell said he made it a point to carry more craft beers and unique products.
 
"We carry a much bigger selection of craft beers and wines than the last owner," he said. "Craft beer is really growing … people ask about specific beers so I actually brought on a third vendor to get some stuff I couldn’t get before."
 
Dave's Package Store also has a drive-through window that he said has been a huge hit. 
 
"It is super popular and a lot of people just get a kick out of just the novelty of using it," he said. "People pull up and can get scratch tickets, a quick six-pack, or a pack of cigarettes without having to get out of their car."
 
Dave’s Package store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m .to 11 p.m. and Sundays 10 to 9. 
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Create an Ad: Sheds-N-Stuff

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

The children didn't have to go far to find a Sheds-N-Stuff product — there's a shed right on the school property.
FLORIDA, Mass. — Abbott Memorial School fourth-grade students participated in our Junior Marketers Create an Ad series.
 
This month, students highlighted the company Sheds-N-Stuff in Cheshire, showcasing its array of merchandise and services, including selling, delivering, and assembling its products.  
 
The family business was founded about 30 years ago under the name "Small Building Movers" by George Mott and, like its name suggested, it focused on moving small buildings. 
 
The company has since expanded to designing, building, delivering, and selling yard furniture and custom outdoor structures, including sheds, gazebos, garages, playsets, and more. 
 
Sheds-N-Stuff office manager Erin Paris visited the school to answer students' questions, which covered various aspects of the business, including its history, products, operations, and capabilities.
 
The business visit to the school was great, Vice Principal Denise Chesbro said. 
 
"I didn't think [the students] were going to stop asking questions. If we hadn't stopped them, they would have continued all day, but I think it was really impactful for them to really hear what a small business is like, and one that they have witnessed and seen in their community," Chesbro said. 
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