The historic background and centuries old stories about the Colts Neck General Store will be in the second printing of Lillian G. Burry’s book on historic sites in Colts Neck, expected out this fall, but in the meantime, stop in at this charming place of business on Route 537 and see for yourself why it well deserves a place in history.
Located just west of the Route 34/Route 537 intersection, the General Store is just that! They sell everything from bait to handmade jewelry and so much in between.
It deserves its place in history as a visiting point in the town’s center for ages, but in addition to retaining its historic charm, it is ultra-modern and up to date in so many things for sale, while giving 21st century visitors an opportunity to learn about antiques from the past, great old photographs and news stories, and things an old General Store would sell besides bait…fireplace wood, local honey, old signs and décor.
Then meet Mary Pahira, the charming owner of the General Store, and a woman who was destined to own this piece of history from the time she was in high school, worked at Delicious Orchards, and knew she loved history and wanted to promote as much knowledge of it as she could.
Mary, who is married to Mike and the couple have two children, Charlotte and Bryson, worked at the General Store in 2009 when it was owned by Jill and Glen Asher. When she saw an opportunity to purchase it and make happen some of her ideas of retaining old time charm blending with new convenience and everyday courtesy, she jumped at it. The Colts Neck General Store has been getting better from that day forward.
When Mary purchased it, there were perhaps a table or two for breakfast or lunch inside and a table on the porch as well. Today, the dining room is spacious, comfortable and inviting. As is the porch, complete with rocking chairs, piles of firewood, some baskets and barrels, and even a very unique looking vegetable scale.
In addition to the scale and other items that were left by the Ashers, Mary has enlarged immensely on the historic touches, as well as expanding the deli menu and offering so many unique items for sale. The historic items that make the café so attractive are partly from her own collection, partly what was there, and partly from visitors and friends who had antiques but thought Mary would like them in the store. There are photos and news paper events from articles about Colts Neck, horses, and other points of interest from decades ago, a great story on Laird’s and another on Joshua Huddy, who used to own the hotel up the road a bit.
The deli counter is far more than sliced bologna and Swiss cheese. There are numerous hot dishes available, all fresh and served by staff as friendly as Mary herself. The kitchen behind the deli counter is spotless, and on the shelves on the customer side of the counter, there are all kinds of beverages, snacks and desserts to enjoy with breakfast or lunch specials, either in the dining room or for take-out.
The shelves are filled with jams, jellies, honeys, and other local specialties, together with a fantastic array of handmade jewelry , hats and shirts, unique signs and gift ideas for all. Of course there are coffee and ice cream, and specials of the day.
Mary said she purchased the business because she loved the building, loved the area, loved the people, and wanted to bring life back into the building.
She’s done that and more.
The General Store is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and from 7 .am. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Make the time to visit, enjoy breakfast or lunch, and learn a little bit of local history.
