Main Street Grocery owners Gary and Jane Gravel cut the ribbon at the grand opening Friday, May 4, surrounded by employees and members of the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce. (Jessica Picard photo)
Main Street Grocery owners Jane and Gary Gravel cut the ribbon at the store’s grand opening Friday, May 4.
The grand opening will continue with giveaways and raffles, and a sale will run through May 17.
The grocery store, at 5 Coastal Marketplace off Main Street in Damariscotta, was formerly Yellowfront Grocery. The Gravels took over the store Jan. 30, never closing its doors while working to make it their own.
The Gravels own two other Damariscotta businesses, Supplies Unlimited and Oliver’s Print Shop, but when they saw that Yellowfront was in danger of closing, they decided to take on the challenge of another business venture, according to Gary Gravel.
“This community needs two options for grocery stores,” Gary Gravel said.
“We had to save it,” Jane Gravel added.
Main Street Grocery the day of its grand opening Friday, May 4. (Jessica Picard photo)
Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Stephanie Gallagher opened the ribbon-cutting ceremony by congratulating the new owners.
Gallagher said the Gravels received the Organizational Community Service Award at the chamber’s annual meeting last year. The award “celebrates an organization or business that has enhanced the community through its generosity of time, resources, spirit, and support,” Gallagher said.
“We are certain that these tenets of leadership will be the foundation of yet another of Jane and Gary’s businesses,” Gallagher said.
After the Gravels cut the ribbon, Jane Gravel thanked her staff, including her mother, Marcia Mortimer.
“I couldn’t do it without them,” she said tearfully.
Attendees were then invited inside for celebratory cake.
Cake to celebrate Main Street Grocery’s grand opening Friday, May 4. (Jessica Picard photo)
Since taking over the grocery store, the Gravels have expanded many of the departments and added a floral department.
The store has a grab-and-go food section and a coupon kiosk.
The store also offers grocery delivery. Orders can be placed on its website or by email or phone.
“We appreciate all the support we’ve received so far from the community,” Gary Gravel said.
The store is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, go to mymainstreetgrocery.com, call 563-3507, or go to the store’s Facebook page.
