Store offers variety at busy intersection

Nov. 30—BOLTON — A major intersection is getting a fresh look — and taste — with a new business opening this week.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: The new Alltown Fresh convenience store is open for business, selling handmade food alongside gasoline.

WHERE: 129 Boston Turnpike, Bolton

MENU: Offerings and more information can be found on the store's website at alltownfresh.com

Alltown Fresh opened its combined convenience store, gas station and eatery today at 129 Boston Turnpike, on the corner of routes 44 and 85.

The Bolton store, formerly a Mobil gas station and convenience store, is the company's first location in north-central Connecticut, the fourth in the state, and 14th overall.

In addition to selling gasoline and standard convenience store fare, the market has a kitchen, with menu items including breakfast foods, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies.

The store serves hot and iced coffee from its "bean-to-cup" machines with built-in coffee grinders, as well as espresso beverages from its kitchen. Catering services also are available through the kitchen.

Chef Peter Popowycz, who will run the store's kitchen, said the "chef-inspired" menu includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto-friendly options, handmade in-store.

"You'll never see a microwave here, you'll never see a fryolator," Popowycz said.

Popowycz said the offerings focus on "clean" foods with organic ingredients, and sources dairy and eggs from local farms when possible.

"It's really about stepping up and doing the right thing and being sustainable," Popowycz said.

One of the store's monthly specials is a holiday meal kit, serving four to six people with five side dishes and a choice of roast.

"We sell them, believe it or not," Popowycz said of the feasts.

Popowycz said instead of throwing away old, unsold sandwiches, the store's still-edible offerings are donated to local charities and food banks.

"We donate a lot, nothing gets thrown out here," Popowycz said.

The company has partnered with the Bolton Food Pantry for the new site, officials said.

Chrystie Fluchere, general manager of one of the brand's New York locations, said though the store sells gas, its primary focus is on the offerings inside.

"I like to tell people we're a market that sells fuel," Fluchere said.

Mohamed Rasheed, assistant manager of an Alltown Fresh in New York, said the convenience store provides actual options for people with dietary restrictions and preferences.

"What gas station can you go in and find a vegan alternative, what about vegetarian, what about gluten-free?" Rasheed said.

Fluchere said traditional gas station food, such as candy bars and soda, are available in the store, but positioned next to healthier options.

"We still appeal to people not looking for that option," Fluchere said.

Popowycz said the store reminds him of a "mini Whole Foods" in some ways.

"There's always the option of making a choice that's better for you," Popowycz said.

First Selectwoman Pamela Sawyer said the town looks forward to having Alltown Fresh as new neighbors.

"We are excited to have this business come to town in an existing location that has always been a popular spot ... we welcome them with open arms," Sawyer said.

Sawyer said it is always good for a town like Bolton to have new business added to the tax rolls, especially with how much it relies on residential taxes.

"In the balance of government, it's wonderful to have it open," Sawyer said.

Joseph covers Manchester and Bolton for the Journal Inquirer.