The owners of the wholesale side of Gilligan’s Ice Cream recently purchased property at 45 South Main Street in Sherburne with the intention of moving their ice cream manufacturing to that facility. The new business will open in February and will be called 'Gilligan’s Fresh Market.' (Photo by Jessica Benson)

SHERBURNE – The owners of the wholesale side of Gilligan’s Ice Cream recently purchased property at 45 South Main Street in Sherburne with the intention of moving their ice cream manufacturing to that facility.

However, when Sherburne’s only grocery store went out of business, Gil Hodges and Andy Lagoe pivoted, deciding instead to create a fresh market to meet the needs of the community.

Hodges came to the Sherburne Village Board Meeting on Monday to inform the board of their plan. “We are looking to work with New York Farms and Taste New York to bring New York grown and certified products to the area.” Hodges said.

When asked why the plan for the property changed, Lagoe explained, “The community has always supported Gilligan’s. This way we can give back to the community.” Lagoe and Hodges plan to partner with local farms while produce is in season to bring those products directly to consumers. During the off season, they will work with produce suppliers to make sure customers still have what they need. They plan to offer local meats, dairy product, ice cream and other items year-round.

“This is not a corporate, big-box business,” Hodges said. “We will have hands on involvement with the community.” The partners said this business model will allow them to better meet the needs of their consumers. They plan to offer things like home delivery to help the senior population and those who have transportation struggles. The fresh market will also accept SNAP benefits. “We can react to what the community wants and needs. We encourage people to tell us exactly what they are looking for, so we can cater to those needs,” Lagoe said.

When asked about the affordability of the items they will stock, Hodges said they are aware of the financial constraints that everyone is under these days and the business will try its best to provide the best value for the people in the community.

Hodges and Lagoe hope to open Gilligan’s Fresh Market on February 1st. They plan to be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. “If people need hours to start earlier, that’s a change we can make,” Lagoe said.

In addition to carrying fresh products, Lagoe and Hodges said they also hope to host outdoor events on the grounds in the spring and summer. “We’re hoping to have chicken barbecues, craft sales, and bottle drives for local organizations on the lawn,” Lagoe said. “We really want this to be a part of the community.”

While Hodges and Lagoe will be stocking New York State grown and certified products from Taste NY, they also hope to team up with local farmers and producers to give back to the farming community. Lagoe explained that many area farm stands and stores have started selling Gilligan’s Ice Cream. “The farm stands and stores are big customers in our wholesale market. They supported us. We want to support them.” Those interested in offering their goods at Gilligan’s Fresh Market can reach out to Lagoe or Hodges for more information.