For the first time in seven years, strips of bacon were once again sizzling at the Menemsha Store when it officially opened Wednesday at 7 a.m.
Kevin and Liz Oliver, who run the store together, were busy working behind the counter as a rush of customers entered the store on opening day. Some customers brought flowers to the Olivers in thanks for bringing the store back.
“We are just really surprised and humbled by the outpouring of support and the excitement surrounding it, so it’s been great,” said Ms. Oliver.
The current iteration of the Menemsha Store is located next door to the Fishermen’s Preservation Trust Building, and across the street from the Iggy’s Bread outpost. It offers basic grocery items that includes fresh fruits and vegetables as well as milk, eggs and an assortment of snacks and other dry goods.
A full menu will also be served daily, offering both breakfast and lunch items until 2 p.m., along with an assortment of fresh baked goods.
“We knew that the public was going to be into it and they exceeded our expectations by a lot,” said Mr. Oliver. “It’s been very busy, but it’s been good.”
The property, part of a larger real-estate deal, was purchased by Sarah Bernard and James Seppala in 2025. Ms. Bernard and Mr. Seppala decided to lease the store and adjacent property to the Fishermen’s Preservation Trust. As part of the deal, 30 per cent of the Menemsha Store’s profits will be donated to the trust.
“The work that the Fishermen’s Preservation Trust is doing is big,” said Mr. Oliver. “They’re trying to preserve the character of Menemsha and other places. Menemsha is a fishing port first and foremost, so they really concentrate their efforts here....We’re so happy that we have that relationship with them, it’s just an incredible situation for the town.”
Previously, the Olivers operated the Menemsha Market for 17 years before it closed down after a fire in 2019.
“John Keene from the Fishermen’s Preservation Trust and Sarah Bernard and James Seppala’s generosity were the reason this is here for the public,” said Mr. Oliver. “We have provisions which I think are super important for boaters, but also for the residents as well.”
A sign designed by Gary Demers depicting the Little Lady, a ship currently undergoing restoration by the Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, hangs over the store’s front entrance.
“We wanted a sign that incorporates the store and that talks about the unity and the synergy that we have,” said Mr. Oliver. “That was the idea behind it and Gary nailed it.”
At the moment, the Olivers plan to keep the Menemsha Store open year-round and are excited to be able to offer the community a convenient location to buy groceries and other necessities.
“We’ve always had a big community here,” said Ms. Oliver. “But now that there’s a store and another gathering place, it just adds to the sense of community here.”
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