It’s been a busy four weeks for Cloverleaf and Fairway employees as they marched back and forth to get the highway store in shape, adding new shelves, stocking shelves, painting, and refreshing the interior.
On Wednesday, the store was ready for customers.
The Lotto centre will stay, and a money exchange will be added, but the gas pumps will disappear. The same staff will stay in place, with possible new ones added as business picks up over the summer months.
Fairway will be open six days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Cloverleaf’s hours to remain 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Saturday (when it closes at 5 p.m.)
Mrs. Ramsdale first owned the Fairway Store, which was as busy as a bee hive. She had it all and if she did not, she would get it for you.
And when you paid your bill, you also received a small token, including candy for the number of children in the family, which meant your business–whether large or small–was appreciated.
Fairway then was purchased by Ted Corrigan, who later joined in partnership with Alex Ogden. The business expanded under their ownership, including more floor space and products.
It changed hands once again a few years ago when Brian Reid and Ken Ogden stepped in, continued to serve customers until they recently entered into negotiations with the Loneys at Cloverleaf to purchase the business.
Cloverleaf came into existence in 1932 when Lawrence Loney opened the business in the building that once was a restaurant during the Depression.
Going into the grocery business with him were his two sons, David and Bill. Bill is still with Cloverleaf while David has retired although you’d never know this as he shows up every day for something to do.
But experience counts and therefore his help is quite welcome.
Dave’s sons, Mark and Dan, have their feet solidly in the expanded operation at Cloverleaf and now Fairway, where the phrase, “The Friendliness is always Free,” applies to both locations.