‘Convenience Store Meets Farmers Market’ At New King’s Wharf Business
DARTMOUTH—A new convenience store and market has popped up in the recently vacated retail space at King’s Wharf.
Anthony Miller opened King’s Wharf Market last Tuesday for what he’s calling a “protracted soft open.”
“We’re just sort of introducing ourselves to anyone who walks by,” Miller told Huddle July 24.
The space is the former home of Le Marché Fruit Boutique, an “upscale convenience store” that shut its doors in March.
Miller believes people liked Le Marché’s products but that the shop closed because there “wasn’t quite enough variety” of products.
His goal with the King’s Wharf Market is to correct that.
“The idea is like a convenience store meets a farmers market,” he says. “The basic thing [I’m asking] is what do people want and need here, and that’s what I’m trying to bring in.”
Right now, the King’s Wharf Market stocks a small selection of locally grown, organic produce, locally sourced eggs and cheese, a variety of more traditional “convenience store” products, and a few gift items.
Check the fridge and you’ll find organic eggs sitting next to their inexpensive, mass-market counterparts. Nearby, boxes of Kraft Dinner sit a few feet away from fresh, locally grown herbs.
“I built this the way I shop, which is I buy Oreos and then I buy organic milk; I buy fluff and then I buy organic peanut butter,” Miller says.
“Even though I might not use all the products that are in here, or buy all the products that are in here, I’m just trying to offer people what’s helpful and convenient.”
Miller says he also plans to increase the stock and selection at the market as he gets more feedback from patrons. Already, he says, he has plans to bring in pre-made lunch items like salads and sandwiches, a larger frozen food section, and a selection of pet toys and supplies.
Miller is a chef and restauranteur who moved to the HRM from Boston about four years ago. In Massachusetts, he ran the Squeaky Beaker Café, 2nd Street Café, as well as an ice cream shop.
“I wore myself out running restaurants,” he says.“So I sold everything I own to move here.”
He says he’s been resting since he came to the HRM but is now excited to start his new venture.
“I’m really happy to be here. I really just want to make it work for the people who work here. I just want people to be happy that we’re here, and if that is the case then everything will work,” he said.