The Harvard General Store Finds a New Owner

A general store with a long history has been sold. In 1816, the town of Harvard saw the opening of its first store. It later burned down, and various incarnations of the general store bounced around to other locations and other owners. A building built on that same lot in 1896 stands to this day, and since 1978, it has been a general store, known simply as "The General Store" or "The Harvard General Store." When owner Joyce Garrick decided to retire in 2006, it was purchased by Adam and Lyn Horowitz, who renovated it and reopened in 2007, getting approved for one of Harvard’s only beer and wine licenses in 2010. This led to the opening of "Upstairs at the General," a wine and craft beer shop on the upper level of the building. This year, the Horowitzes began looking for a buyer for the store; this week, Scott Hayward, a 13-year resident of Harvard, bought the business.

In a newsletter sent to customers of the store yesterday, Hayward wrote that he "will not be changing the store's concept; it will remain a coffee shop, general store, and wine shop." The existing staff will remain as well. As for changes, Hayward intends to "devote [his] time to remerchandising, making the stock more responsive to [the] local customer base."

The lower level of the Harvard General Store stocks a selection of specialty cheeses, teas, meats, and other products, including many local brands, such as Taza Chocolates, Country Hen Eggs, and Bola Granola. The wine shop on the upper level features beer and wine tastings and art exhibitions.

· The Harvard General Store newsletter [HGS]
· Harvard icon to be reborn, and reopened [WL]