ABOUT 377 MAIN ST.
The store at 377 Main Street is a historic fixture for this town: since the early 1800s, there has been a general store serving “the multiple wants of a complex community” at the intersection of Main Street and South Road (from “Life And Times in Hopkinton, NH”). While it is more common these days to hear about corner stores closing, we believe that our historic store in Hopkinton Village not only has a place here, but has a revitalized and vibrant future.
Dulcie grew up happily going to The Cracker Barrel for newspapers, milk, hamburger supplies, and gas (!) and she was delighted every time she got to charge popsicles on a friend’s account. The Cracker Barrel holds special memories for Anna’s family too: the Wells family fondly recalls purchasing the Sunday paper and lemon-pepper chicken, Dionne Warwick on the radio, and charging the account for bubblegum after school.
We’ve seen the store change hands over the years, and as massive fans of local retail, we’ve been thrilled to support whichever owner is giving it a go. That said, over the years, the building has seen quite a bit of neglect, and the store itself has gone through iterations without an in-house proprietor in the building every day.
To Beth, cooking is love made visible, which we both wholeheartedly second. We are over the moon to have Beth as part of the team, and her experience, passion, and joyous presence are something we are so excited to believe in and support.
AND THE NAME? WHAT ABOUT THE NAME?!
As you might know, Dulcie and Anna’s husband, Ted, grew up in town, and they are both wildly sentimental people (try asking us to do barn cleanouts…). They both grew up with the Cracker Barrel name, and that store was a key part of their childhoods, fondly calling it “The Barrel.” However, that name is also confusing to out-of-towners, who show up expecting a southern-style restaurant. (Also, given the similarity to that trademarked corporate name, it is unlikely any new business could register that name.)
It didn’t take much brainstorming for the three of us to land on the perfect name that nods to the past while also tipping our hat to the future: Barrel & Baskit. To us, it brings together the best of what has been and what will be. Barrel & Baskit will be open 7 days a week and will have essential groceries, sandwiches, beverages (yes, coffee!), Beth’s award-winning beer selections, and a diversified wine offering. The new store will strive to highlight local farms and artisans, host a range of events appealing to all ages, and build upon the generations of continuous store operations in this location with the addition of the meal-kit concept.
ABOUT 377 MAIN ST.
The store at 377 Main Street is a historic fixture for this town: since the early 1800s, there has been a general store serving “the multiple wants of a complex community” at the intersection of Main Street and South Road (from “Life And Times in Hopkinton, NH”). While it is more common these days to hear about corner stores closing, we believe that our historic store in Hopkinton Village not only has a place here, but has a revitalized and vibrant future.
Dulcie grew up happily going to The Cracker Barrel for newspapers, milk, hamburger supplies, and gas (!) and she was delighted every time she got to charge popsicles on a friend’s account. The Cracker Barrel holds special memories for Anna’s family too: the Wells family fondly recalls purchasing the Sunday paper and lemon-pepper chicken, Dionne Warwick on the radio, and charging the account for bubblegum after school.
We’ve seen the store change hands over the years, and as massive fans of local retail, we’ve been thrilled to support whichever owner is giving it a go. That said, over the years, the building has seen quite a bit of neglect, and the store itself has gone through iterations without an in-house proprietor in the building every day.
To Beth, cooking is love made visible, which we both wholeheartedly second. We are over the moon to have Beth as part of the team, and her experience, passion, and joyous presence are something we are so excited to believe in and support.
AND THE NAME? WHAT ABOUT THE NAME?!
As you might know, Dulcie and Anna’s husband, Ted, grew up in town, and they are both wildly sentimental people (try asking us to do barn cleanouts…). They both grew up with the Cracker Barrel name, and that store was a key part of their childhoods, fondly calling it “The Barrel.” However, that name is also confusing to out-of-towners, who show up expecting a southern-style restaurant. (Also, given the similarity to that trademarked corporate name, it is unlikely any new business could register that name.)
It didn’t take much brainstorming for the three of us to land on the perfect name that nods to the past while also tipping our hat to the future: Barrel & Baskit. To us, it brings together the best of what has been and what will be. Barrel & Baskit will be open 7 days a week and will have essential groceries, sandwiches, beverages (yes, coffee!), Beth’s award-winning beer selections, and a diversified wine offering. The new store will strive to highlight local farms and artisans, host a range of events appealing to all ages, and build upon the generations of continuous store operations in this location with the addition of the meal-kit concept.
