Photos by Joni Rentz2011 saw a turning of tides, so to speak, of two general stores long rooted in the history and routines of their respective villages. Both were challenged with the delicate balance between maintaining the traditional while making a statement of their own.
The Orient Country Store now owned by Miriam Foster and Grayson Murphy, both from New England, embraced the already built in charm of the existing store leaving much as it was. Though the shelves are stocked a bit fuller these days it’s still the place where you can run in to get a simple can of soup, a seed packet for your garden, a six-pack of beer or to catch up on the local gossip. But the couple have added their own signature introducing hand crafted pieces from local artists along with their fantastic home baked goodies plus array of tasty sandwiches. In the morning, order up the Breakfast Sandwich and grab a slice or two of Miriam’s delicious Banana or Zucchini Bread. Happily for all there’s a new found energy at the Orient Country Store all carefully wrapped in familiarity.
Angels Country Store now owned by Erin Fitzpatrick and Lucy Meullner, both transplanted New Yorkers, have rebranded their store, Fork & Anchor, creating a whole new vibe while remaining true to its origins. It’s still where locals arrive at 6am to grab their morning coffee, town bags, a pack of cigarettes or local newspaper. But the local news now shares the shelf with glossy magazines, t-shirts and bags are strung on a line for display and the new industrial shelves and refrigerators are now filled with local and imported food products along with a delicious line up of sandwiches and salads that can be boxed up for a vineyard or beach picnic. A refreshing facelift to a neighborhood favorite.
The Orient Country Store | Village Lane | Orient
Fork & Anchor | 8955 Main Rd. | East Marion | (631) 477-3277