Gary Gravel, co-owner of Hilltop Stop in Damariscotta, said business has been “crazy” since his store’s Dec. 5 opening.
Gravel, a veteran of the food service industry, left the kitchen for a brief interview Dec. 7.
“It’s been great,” Gravel said. “A lot of the local people are back supporting it, which I really appreciate.”
The building, under Gravel’s supervision, has undergone extensive renovations since he and his wife, Jane Gravel, bought it Sept. 29, about two years after the former occupant, Big Dave’s, shut its doors.
Gravel, with the help of local contractors and suppliers, repaired or replaced almost everything – including the fire suppression system for the gas pumps and kitchen, the floors, gas lines, insulation and more.
Gravel opened with the lowest gas price in Damariscotta, and customers responded. “My goal is to have fair gas prices,” he said.
Hilltop Stop also offers pizza, sandwiches and other fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Marcia Mortimer, Gravel’s mother and a long-time cook at Big Dave’s, will return with her homemade specials.
Gravel said his goal is to run a clean convenience store with great help (the store has 10 employees, five full-time) and good food at a great price.
Gary and Jane Gravel offered thanks to “everyone that’s supported us so far” and to the local contractors for a “fantastic job” to ready the store for opening day.
Hilltop Stop, at 374 Main St., is open Mon.-Thurs., from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri.-Sat., from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“We make food until we close,” Gary Gravel said. For more information, call 563-STOP (7867).
