Circa 1850 on the outside, Old Brick Store offers a combination of old-world comfort food and modern and eclectic products.
Photo courtesy Old Brick Store.
On a busy corner in the small town of Charlotte sits a store that truly captures the essence of our state. A deeply rooted tradition remains central to this circa 1850s landmark as a gathering place to enjoy delicious, hearty fare. Entering Vermont off the ferry from New York, it’s the first establishment you pass as you head to Route 7. Upon arrival, a feast for the eyes and the palate awaits. A lively energizing scene of folks enjoying savory breakfast burritos, a steamy bowl of tomato fennel soup, or piled-high sandwiches provides a warm welcome just over the border.
Neither a convenience store nor conventional general store, Charlotte’s Old Brick Store might surprise you with its eclectic offerings. A carefully curated collection of unique and specialty items as well as provisions grace the shelves stocked with assorted food items, socks, skin care products, books, whole chickens, and fresh bread—all with a Vermont-made focus. But the food is really what brings people here.
The vibe is friendly and engaging, and the food served is fresh and creative.
Families sit around a large farm table sinking their teeth into a BLT, while two friends sip maple lattes at the counter, enjoying one of the flavorful scones or gluten-free, dense chocolate brownies. The large sea-salted chocolate chip cookies sell out fast. Outside on a nice day, folks enjoy sandwiches on rustic porch benches, soaking up the rays. Some dash in to grab a bottle of wine, beer, or liquor from the well-stocked shelves and wide variety of local offerings. The vibe is friendly and engaging, and the food served is fresh and creative. During busy hours there is usually a line while folks waiting engage in conversation. Fortunately, service is efficient and quick.
This creation was a dream of owner Jolene Kao who grew up in Texas and spent her childhood years working various jobs in the family restaurant. Jolene eventually left for New York City to pursue fashion design, including sophisticated photography. Her interest in the food scene remained and when an opportunity presented itself, she got her hands dirty in the opening of a top-notch restaurant and learned from several talented, respected chefs. In Brooklyn, she lived amidst assorted, local, eclectic food purveyors on every corner and gave frequent joyous dinner parties for friends.
Old Brick Store was the perfect next step. After moving to Vermont post-pandemic with her partner Pete and daughter, serendipity stepped in with an opportunity to purchase the store, supported by a community eager for an owner with fresh ideas. Drawing from her artistic experience and culinary background, Jolene created her long-planned dream.
Jolene loves to share joy especially around food. “Seeing people run into each other and connect over some item in the store or watching them share a meal at the farm table brings me deep satisfaction.” With an abundance of charm and plenty to browse, this place fondly known to locals as “The Brick” is well worth a visit.
