SARANAC — A new take on the old-time country store is open in the Town of Saranac.
Lori and Danny Matton opened the Saranac Country Store at 3346 Route 3 near Picketts Corners three weeks ago. They said business has been great.
"We've been busier than we anticipated," Danny said.
They are getting many compliments on the new store. One couple on their way to Niagara Falls stayed for a couple hours playing checkers.
"I thought that was pretty cool," he said.
That's the kind of atmosphere they aimed for: an old-fashioned country store where friends and neighbors would gather for coffee and snacks while they pass the time of day.
Danny said people bring them items to display almost daily. He pointed to two old-fashioned fishing poles crossed above the front door, and said the man who brought them in said they were Louisiana catfish poles.
There are collectibles along an upper shelf and a large checkerboard atop a wooden barrel. An Adirondack theme also features predominantly in the decor, with a cedar and pine exterior and a stone section along the ground.
"That's what we attempted to accomplish," Danny said. "I think we did."
They built the new store to better serve their friends and neighbors, Danny said. They plan to keep their prices low to save locals the need to drive to Plattsburgh so often.
"A lot of people tell us we're not charging enough, but we're happy with what we're making," he said.
The Mattons previously owned and operated the Citgo gas station and convenience store next door. The new store is a vast improvement, they said.
The old store was about 880 square feet. The new store is about 3,200 square feet.
The increased floor space allows them to greatly expand their inventory. That includes fresh vegetables, something they couldn't offer previously.
The new store features a deli department, with a variety of meats and cheeses. They offer sandwiches, subs, wraps and pasta-type salads.
Danny said his mother is on board to make homemade soups.
Pizza ovens and fryers will probably be delivered next week, he said.
They will then offer fried chicken, wings, french fries, shrimp and even sweet-potato tots.
Desserts include pies and giant cookies.
"We also have soft ice cream, including sundaes and banana splits," Lori said.
The walk-in beer cooler is called the Bear Cave. The rock-encrusted cooler features stuffed black bears guarding the entrance.
The other coolers are full of soft drinks, sports beverages, dairy products and frozen foods. The aisles are full of snacks and a variety of household supplies.
A number of baskets are stocked with old-style penny candy, although they no longer cost just a penny. Danny said that is one of Lori's specialties.
The store also offers DVD rentals.
Customers can keep up-to-date on area events posted on the community bulletin board.
A covered patio on the front and west side of the store features eight picnic tables.
They broke ground in October. Saranac-based Blair Brothers Contracting was the general contractor.
"It's nice to be able to keep the work local," Lori said.
The Sunoco service station carries gasoline, diesel, off-road diesel and kerosene. There are five dual-sided fuel pumps available.
Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. There is also an ATM.
The Saranac Country Store is open from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. seven days a week. The deli closes at 9 p.m. to give staff time to clean up before the store closes.
The Mattons were able to more than triple their staff. There are now 17 employees, compared with five at the old store.
The upper level contains offices and an employee break room. The break room includes a pool table, foosball table and electronic dart board.
Danny said employees are even welcome to use it on their days off.
"We like to take care of our employees. They work hard for us and we like to do a little extra for them," Danny said.
E-mail Dan Heath at:
dheath@pressrepublican.com
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