If you grew up in a small town or vacationed in one as a child, you know how much fun a trip to the general store was. Penny candy! Cold soda! Small, inexpensive toys, like a glider plane you assembled or a kite. Discovering treasures throughout the shelves and display cases mounted on wide wooden uneven floorboards was thrilling. Having the convenience of necessities just minutes away was so helpful to Mom.
Kara Hicks, the new owner/operator of the Hampton General Store, knows that feeling, and it’s the experience she wants to bring back. Kara has always wanted to do it since she worked at the local Hallmark Store in her teen years. Kara grew up in the small city of Ansonia, Connecticut. Back then, the Main Street of that city and the local surrounding towns and cities had small shops run and operated by locals. Chocolate shops, dry cleaners, bakeries, toy stores, beauty salons, furniture stores, music shops, hardware stores, gas stations, and repair garages were all run by people you knew. They lived in your neighborhood, or maybe grandma’s neighborhood, they went to your church, or you played with their kids on a sports team. It was nice to walk in the front door and be greeted by a smiling and welcoming face, someone you knew by name, and they knew you too.
That’s what Kara is recreating here for all to enjoy. Kara began to acquire her culinary skills at a young age by watching Mom. Mom was a chocolatier and shared her knowledge and talent with her daughter. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Biology, Kara ended up being drawn to the food service industry. She settled down in South Carolina and, for years, worked managing restaurants for a large chain. She still had her heart set on having a small store one day. At her family’s urging, Kara moved back to Connecticut and found herself with the opportunity to make her dream come true. She searched for a location that would accommodate food preparation/sales, general merchandise, and gift sales all in one place. A general store fit the bill, and after several years she located one right here with us in Hampton. Closing on the property took over a year, and in January 2022, she became the owner of the multi-purpose structure at 258 Main Street, fondly known as Hampton General Store.
Kara and her fiancée Mike Henry began by making extensive renovations to the second-floor living quarters. Working tirelessly for days and weeks, they made their new home comfortable, and just like the old shopkeepers, they would be living above the store. Now they could concentrate on completing the storefront. The kitchen needed to be outfitted with commercial equipment, and the sales floor readied. While all this was happening, Kara acquired all the necessary health department certifications. On Monday, September 26, Kara opened the doors to customers for the first time. This was considered her soft opening, with an official open house occurring on Saturday, October 8.
The store is lovely, with something for everyone. A toy section, a pet section, clothing, and interesting home goods are displayed throughout the merchandise area towards the back. In contrast, sweet treats and delicious foods, including many baked goods, are offered upfront. Kara makes all the fresh baked goods herself. On any given day, you may find pies, cupcakes, donuts, cookies, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and a variety of bread to choose from. Coffee, several flavors of tea, and Hosmer and Coca-Cola products are also available. If you’re looking for something special for someone, look no further. She has many items to choose from that will fit any gift-giving occasion. Last but not least is the general merchandise she carries, just in case you need a bag of chips, a gallon of milk, or a box of pasta; it’s right here in Hampton General Store.
Kara plans to continue expanding her menu and offer ‘take and bake’ items beginning in January. Staples like homemade meatloaf or BBQ chicken are just some of the meals she will have available for you to purchase and bake at home. Since the store opened, Kara has met many people who remember the Hampton General Store of years ago. A former employee and many others with great childhood memories have shared past stories, and Kara loves to hear them. So please stop in, grab a cup of coffee and a snack, say hello, and get to know our new shopkeeper. Maybe you, too, have some memories to share with her.
The Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 7AM to 7PM, and Sunday, 8AM to 6PM. You can also call: 860-786-4200.
Patricia Boss