Snaks First Avenue has long been a staple in Sandy Hook, and under its new ownership, the store is evolving into more than just a convenience stop.
Owners Jen Lafontaine and Chris Oldfield purchased the business earlier this year after relocating from Hamilton, Ont. Their new home, attached to the store at 20088 First Ave., brings them closer to family — a key reason for the move.
“For the past 10 years, we’ve been looking to move back towards family,” said Lafontaine. “My mom helped us look at house listings and we stumbled across Snaks First. Instead of having to try and find both a place to live and work, this checked off both boxes for us.”
Though both Lafontaine and Oldfield worked in the accounting industry in Ontario, neither had previous experience owning a retail store.
“We looked into owning a store in Hamilton because accounting is a stressful job,” Lafontaine said. “When we found this place, it felt like a gift had dropped down on us. We were very excited to take that leap.”
Their goal is to maintain the store’s original offerings while adding new ones. Notably, they’ve continued to carry products from the popular Arborg Bakery.
“The baking is one of our most popular items and always sells out over the weekend,” said Lafontaine. “People just can’t resist the freshly baked breads and sweet treats.”
The bakery delivers every Thursday, and customers can place special orders by 7 p.m. on Mondays. Orders can be made in-store, by emailing snaksfirstavenue@gmail.com, texting 204-407-5879, or messaging the store’s Facebook page.
Among the new additions, the couple has introduced a wider selection of fresh produce, frozen entrées, and expanded candy and chocolate options.
“We want to make this into something between a grocery store and a convenience store,” said Lafontaine. “It’s our goal to renovate and expand so we can add even more products to our shelves.”
Snaks First Avenue still stocks a range of convenience items such as gift cards, postcards, phone cords, children’s activities, and frozen treats. It also functions as a local post office.
Within the next two weeks, the store will begin offering fishing licences and minnow supplies year-round. They are also exploring the option of selling alcohol in the summer, following community demand.
Giving back to the community is a priority for the new owners. The store sells Sandy Hook Community Club summer event calendars, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to the club.
“The support from the community has been absolutely fantastic,” Lafontaine said. “We are proud to call this place home and we can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
Snaks First Avenue is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays — including the August long weekend — and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays through Thanksgiving weekend.
