In
2003, Linda and Walt Manchester created a market where people can go to get
unique and interesting things. Today, the market at 1297 Roosevelt Trail in
Raymond, has grown and evolved to meet the needs and desires of the clientele
they serve. From the hundreds of sandwiches they make each day to the unique
craft beers and fresh produce, The Good Life Market has become a staple in the
Raymond community.
“We
wanted something we could run ourselves that could support us and have this as
a family businesses,” said Linda. The market has evolved over the years and
Linda is always looking for special items that fit with their image. “It’s a
combination being responsive to what the community is looking for and having nice
and interesting things.”
One of
the first items they chose to serve was a selection of Boar’s Head Meat. “It’s
been successful. People travel to us to purchase that,” Linda said. The best
meat makes the sandwiches the best they can be, she added. Linda is always
looking to be unique and create new sandwiches with bold flavors. Many of the
sandwiches are allergy and sensitivity friendly, with foods that are low carb,
low fat or gluten free.
“It
changes all the time and we have to stay on the cutting edge of the what people
are looking for,” Linda added.
The
Manchesters pride themselves on providing local products like Caldwell Farm poultry
and Stonewall Kitchen products. They stock a robust cheese selection and unique
snack foods. Linda travels to food shows to find new items and new recipes and
she creates her own rendition of the things she tries. The most popular
sandwich is The Good Life Club, a double decker sandwich filled with turkey and
ham, Swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and garlic mayo on toasted sourdough
bread.
“I’m
inspired by what I see out in the world,” Linda said. Some recipes are personal
favorites from when she and Walt were first married. Many times, the name of
the sandwich will pop into her head before the recipe is developed. She
encourages people to have fun when cooking and eating food.
Coffee
is a popular item and The Good Life Market stocks its own roasted coffee under
the name Swift River Coffee, from seasonal specialties to blond or dark roast,
there is a great variety of coffee to choose from.
The
Good Life Market is an Agency Liquor Store, offering locally produced upscale
wine and beer. The craft beer selection is extensive. As the demand has
increased, they have added to their assortment. Since there is not a large
selection of specialty beers in the marketplace, The Good Life is a convenient
place to purchase them.
“Periodically
we do wine tastings at special times of the year,” said Linda. People will come
to see what they like and then stock up for the holidays or for summer.
“We are
fortunate we have a lot of customers. Seasonal people are from places where
they are used to places like our market. We also have young families and local
families,” she said. Family and community best describes the market. When many
Raymond families lost power this fall, The Good Life Market put a post on their
Facebook page inviting their customers to bring perishable items down to put in
their freezer.
“It’s
going better than it ever could have. We have increased the employee base and
that’s really gratifying,” Linda said. With 40 summer employees and 30 in the
off season, The Good Life Market is a major employer in Raymond.
The
employees serve line crews, landscapers, retired people, and high school kids
who stop in for coffee and to hang out on the porch. Mom’s meet up with their
friends and eat in the dining room while their children play. Professionals and
school employees stop by to bring things home for dinner after work.
“Everyone
is our customer. Everyone feels really comfortable to come in and find
something they enjoy,” Linda said.
For the
first-timer, she recommends trying a sandwich, coffee or look for a new wine.
Then stroll through the market and see what strikes their fancy. Maybe it will
be the local popcorn or tea. A local beer or spirit. Try the Beast Feast, a
selection of barbeque sauces.
Food
specials run Monday through Sunday on the website.
For
more information, visit www.TheGoodLifeMarket.com or find them on Facebook. Order
ahead at 207-655-1196.
No comments:
Post a Comment