Font ResizeHARVARD -- The news formally flowed Tuesday on Facebook though the selectmen made a key July 10 vote to move the deal forward.
Harvard resident Scott Hayward of 5 Elm St. has closed on the purchase of the Harvard General Store business.
The store at 1 Still River Road is located just a few steps away from Hayward's home across the Town Common. Hayward purchased the business from prior owners Adam and Evelyn Horowitz, who, through their MERA07 LLC, still retain ownership of the building itself. The Horowitzes purchased the landmark business from the Garrick family in 2007.
Hayward pledged that the same staff will greet customers and the same merchandise will be available, including fine wines, artisan beers, general convenience store items and fresh brewed coffee.
But Hayward, a 13-year Harvard resident, promised to make his own mark on the landmark store that dates back to 1896.
"I will not be changing the store's concept; it will remain a coffee shop, general store and wine shop," said Hayward. "Instead, I will devote my time to remerchandising, making the stock more responsive to our local customer base."
"We expect to have the store up and running with new offerings (and the best of the old) by the start of school and Labor Day."
Selectmen voted to transfer the store's liquor license to Hayward Company LLC on July 10 with conditions. No one under age 21 can be on the second floor of the General Store during wine-tasting
