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45 Years And Counting At Pratt's Store

photo by Mike Cameron LtoR: Darwin, Devyn, Kim, Debbie, Aleena Jean and Brianna are all part of the winning team at Pratt's Store in Bridport as they prepare to celebrate Pratt's 45th Anniversary. Corey was holding down the fort serving lunch customers inside, Stacey was enjoying a well deserved vacation with her family and Sue was busy in the store office during this photo op. Pratt's Store currently has 15 members on its customer service staff.

Tuesday April 29, 2014

By Mike Cameron

The lettering on the Bridport town truck parked outside Pratt's Store says it all, “There's Only One Bridport U.S.A.”  Unique and one of a kind is what Pratt’s Store is all about.  Unlike some rural locations 'you can get there from here.'  Pratt’s is located along Route 22a, which is our version of I-91 here in Addison County. 
    Since 1969 a community general store has been evolving here and it has grown into a destination, rest stop for travelers,  local grocer, information hub and just recently full service deli, grill and catering business all same-family owned and operated, and now celebrating its 45th year.
    The store serves a wide range of customers on both sides of near-by Lake Champlain.  Lately, the new deli and grill area under the watchful and talented care of Debbie Cram,  Aleena Jean, and Elaine Desforges, has blossomed into a full service local and regional attraction that has created a buzz all its own.
     “The customers are great,” Debbie says and “we enjoy making them happy,” she adds, while getting ready for lunch customers.  Meanwhile owner Darwin Pratt and son Corey along with granddaughter Devyn representing the family's 4th generation all share the corner of a prep table to talk about where the business is headed in the future.
    “Catering is a big part of our future plans and the need is there,” Darwin explains. Corey and Debbie agree and the ability to serve 265-people if needed is a huge calling card for the store. “I've done it,” Debbie says with a knowing smile, “all men!” And everyone was well fed we learned. 
    Corey who has a flair for understatement, just smiles and says, “I think we've all gained some weight since Debbie came on board,” to which Deyvn exclaims,”the grinders are awesome!”  The catering options at Pratt's are extensive and like everything else at the store, very personal. 
    They will cater a wedding reception, business function, funeral celebration of life, graduation party, or family reunion. Many people have already made Route 22a their catering corridor, connecting them with Pratt’s.   The staff will always combine your individual catering needs and ideas with great food all personally prepared for your special occasion.
    “We try to stay current with all of today's food varieties and food service trends,” Corey says.  Right now the offerings at the store and deli are some of the best you can find anywhere.  What will evolve?
    The Pratt family sees that as the main reason that they go to work every day. One thing will not change and that's the honest-to-goodness hometown feel of the store.  “We enjoy the family atmosphere and having the neighbors come by,” Darwin reminds us.  The local connection and daily customers are part of store history and has been since Darwin and his father Roscoe Pratt made this key community connection four generations ago.
    So mark your calendars for a couple of dates and join in the 45th Anniversary celebration.  There will be a large Truckload Meat Sale scheduled for May 23rd, just before the Memorial Week End and the beginning of outdoor grilling season.  Bridport Day will be May 17th this year.  It is time to celebrate local crafts, food, lore, and more.  Pratt's Store will be right in the middle of it helping everyone have a great time as we welcome summer! To Bridport and the Greater Champlain Valley.
     Stop in this week and tell them that you read about them in The Valley Voice.  Enjoy a made to order breakfast entree and coffee.  Stop by for an awesome lunch or to pick up a quick snack, or family meal to go for dinner, Pratt's is right on your way. 
    Like them on Facebook and visit their website for weekly specials at www.prattsstore.com.  Watch for the special sale fliers.  Now go ahead and celebrate 45 years in business with Pratts while you and your friends and family enjoy some real home made Vermont hospitality with every visit.                                                                

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