The South Coast Insider - March 2021

BUSINESS BUZZ

Timeless shopping By Michael J. DeCicco

It’s easy to experience a real general store no matter where you live on the South Coast. since the 1950s, in 2008 for its “quaint New England feel by water’s edge,” Rory said. “I always wanted to own a business with a water view.” The store is now a place for penny candy, homemade donuts (available Thursday through Sunday) and pastries (available seven days a week). It also houses a full Bliss Brothers ice cream creamery, and a full range of Green Mountain and Jim Organic coffees.

“On weekends, I sell out of donuts and pastries by 10 a.m.” The Head Town Landing Country Store in Westport is smaller and newer than many others like it in the area, but has its own unique design. It’s a convenience store that features an ice cream stand deck leading to a spacious backyard with ample seating and a view of the Westport River. Owner Rory Couturier said it’s where kayakers can dock at the river shore and walk up to the store’s back deck for ice cream or the interior for coffee, donuts, and muffins, and where cyclists often stop for refreshments in the middle of their rides. He and his wife Kathy bought the property, which had been a general store

increase remarkably over the summer. Meanwhile, his donut and pastry treats sell quickly both during the week and the weekend. “On weekends, I sell out of donuts and pastries by 10 a.m.,” he said Frequent customer and longtime Westport resident Estelle Gifford confirms why it’s a popular stop for local people. “I love what they did with the store,” she said. “It’s no longer dark and dingy. I love the ice cream and the hot dogs. Rory said he’d turn it into a ‘destination’ store. And he did that.”

Little conveniences

Wilbur’s General Store has been an important destination in Little Compton

The deli side of the business offers Dels Lemonade, hot dogs, and sandwiches that are pre-made daily. The convenience store side of the business offers local eggs, milk, honey, and New England syrups. “I’ve lived in Westport my whole life,” Rory reflects. “For 25 years, I was manager of a big box store in Boston. Now I’m working seven minutes from this house where locals love to gather. They can relax by the water. This is such a special place.” He said local people have always been his biggest customers, and his biggest sellers are his ice creams and his pastries. He sells ice cream year-round, but sales CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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March 2021 | The South Coast Insider