Full service grocery store reopening in H'port
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

HAMMONDSPORT - After being closed for more than a year, Hammondsport's sole full service grocery store will reopen soon under new ownership.

The former Big M will open as a Shurfine Markets affiliate under the ownership of Martin Bailey of Branchport.

Bailey completed the purchase of the property from Vic and Marie Card, of Pulteney, on June 12, according to Dennis Carlson, who handled the sale for Realty USA, of Hammondsport.

Carlson said Bailey hopes to reopen the store by June 29, in time for the July 4 holiday. It will offer a full range of grocery items, including produce, meats, deli and canned goods. The store also has a license to sell beer, Carlson added.

Hammondsport's only grocery store closed in May 2006. Not only will its reopening provide year-long village residents a place to shop, summer residents along the west side of Keuka Lake will have easier access to a full-service grocery store. Summer residents on the east side of the lake extending about 10 miles north will also have easier access to a grocery store.

"This brings back to the local community the ability to do local shopping," Carlson said, adding Baily first expressed interest in purchasing the store during the winter. Bailey also is the owner of Keuka Corners, a convenient store and luncheonette located in Branchport.