Putney General Store, Putney

It takes courage and confidence to purchase a country store in another state during the early days of a pandemic. Anyone who has met Mike and Kim Cosco, the current proprietors, would agree that they are the perfect fit. The couple arrived in fall 2019. The following spring, the economy shut down. Their bold sign, We Can Do This, outside the store entrance provided daily inspiration. They understood that people were dealing with an unprecedented pandemic in various ways and met them where they were: in the store, curbside, or for home deliveries. As Mike shares with a calm, confident ease, “We were made to take over the business, and now that we’re here, we’re staying.” Keeping all the employees, they forged ahead and kept the business thriving, seven days a week from 7am to 7pm. Fortunately, their background as owners of West Village Provisions in Boxford, Massachusetts provided solid experience.

Established in 1796, the oldest general store in Vermont sits on the corner of Main Street in Putney. This general store has weathered many challenges over the centuries, including two fires one in 2008 and one in 2009, when it burned to its foundation. “This store is a masterclass in resilience,” Mike says, proudly sharing his affection for a community that cares deeply about this place and their town. It’s a pillar that holds up the community, clearly demonstrated by the large white paper signs on the walls noting an impressive list of citizens who helped rebuild by offering their expertise and funds.

Visitors to historic Putney find their way to this store. Bright red leather–topped stools sit under a long Formica counter that overlooks Main Street, as do several old-fashioned tables where folks can enjoy a sandwich, coffee, or muffin while perusing a hefty array of flyers announcing town happenings and services. The store is brimming with local products, including a noteworthy selection of Vermont beer and a well-curated extensive wine selection. Homemade food that focuses on fresh, local ingredients as much as possible includes hearty sandwiches, pancakes, and burritos all listed on a chalkboard above the deli. Elsewhere in the store, shoppers can find emergency candles, ceramic Vermont coasters, basic food staples, and more.

(left) Vintage photo of Putney General Store; (right) Dressed up for the holidays

Upstairs, a charming eclectic gift shop run by Kim Cosco offers a wide array of one-of-a-kind gifts, including whimsical umbrellas, gardening wares, candles, cards, and toys. Phoenix Gifts, cleverly named for the “phoenix rising from the ashes,” honors the resilient spirit here.

Mike and Kim are often in the store preparing food, helping at the register, stacking shelves, and visiting with their local friends as well as with visitors to our state. It’s a labor of love that gives them great joy to create a warm, welcoming, and positive vibe. The store actively participates in local holiday traditions that include an annual Halloween event, selling Thanksgiving dinners for two, and the annual tree-lighting celebration.

The Coscos have embraced the deep historical roots of Putney village, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The infusion of local goods that include all things maple, homemade cookies, gourmet dog biscuits, and great sweets amidst tools, vintage postcards, and newspapers offer something for everyone—a store that celebrates its vibrant past with a present-day flair. A store that would make the many proprietors since 1796 brim with pride.

www.putneygeneralstore.com

There are core values and universal truths that we ask our employees to apply to every sandwich we make.

The Perfect Sandwich
BY PUTNEY GENERAL STORE

There are core values and universal truths that we ask our employees to apply to every sandwich we make:

• It is intended to be the best sandwich you ever had. Every time.
• The ingredients are carefully chosen for quality; we’re very picky.
• The components of the sandwich are well balanced; the bread-to-meat ratio is important. The right amount of lettuce or cheese, and so on, is also important.
• The components of the sandwich are spread evenly across the entire surface of the bread so that each bite contains every intended texture and flavor. Grilled sandwiches are buttered to the edge to achieve a uniform toasty golden brown.
• We don’t use the term “just a.” It’s never just a BLT. It’s not just a grilled cheese. These are meant to be perfect. The best you ever had.
• And we deliver them to you with a smile that shows we are genuinely happy to do it.