In 1987, when my husband and I arrived in the area, the previous grocery store, standing in the…read moresame location but under a different name and having different owners, actually displayed rotting produce. I just couldn't bring myself to shop there, so I changed to a Hannaford's in Bangor. The original building burned down due to sheer recklessness. Blue Hill peninsula was left without a supermarket, so, in step the Lawrence family. About a year later they had built a new structure in the same place, the one that stands today. TradeWinds selection and quality of food is pretty darned good. The store is lovely, the staff are lovely, and the food quality is very good.
TradeWinds may be THE best grocery store/supermarket that I've ever experienced. The owners and the employees are top notch, always very helpful and friendly. The Lawrence family prioritize community, they offer locally grown or made choices, they offer a Maine food section, and they've made this store a shining example of what is possible. Employees need daycare, provided. Employees and others need an exercise spot, provided. Need less expensive fuel for your vehicle, provided. Need a more community oriented pharmacy, they bring in Community Pharmacy! I've never witnessed such active community support in my life!
Now to the difficult part. After more than two decades ownership is transitioning. Hannaford, the Maine distributor, which supplies TradeWinds, is the new owner. Hannaford's has been a good company as far as I know. But, like most changes, this is a hard for many of us. Will they continue to offer the unique products that TradeWinds has all these years? Will they keep the lower, more reasonable prices for groceries and fuel that the Lawrence family offered us? Will they allow Community Pharmacy to remain? Will the very cool Beer Cave stay, continuing to offer the amazing Maine and small brew company selections? Will the community awareness and cancer fundraising continue? I hope the answer will be a resounding YES, but we have to wait and see. Even though it's a difficult phase, I have to say thank you to the Lawrences and Hannaford, I'm glad the store has a new Maine-based owner with a decent track record.
Thank you Chuck and Belinda Lawrence for all you have given us folks on the Blue Hill Peninsula over these many years! You are very appreciated. I hope you enjoy a well deserved retirement. Thank you also to the lovely staff, I hope the transition goes well for you. I'll see you soon. I love you all for who you are and what you do. THANK YOU!
