Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbie Batchelder.
Abbie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Newburyport and have always dreamt of owning a business in my hometown. My career in fine food started when I was hired as the General Manager at Joppa the day before the store opened in September of 2003. When I was approached 4 years later with the offer to buy the store, I took on the challenge with excitement and dove in headfirst. My experience in fine foods and wine is measured in decades and I have personally selected each and every item on our shelves. I have sought out the products I love, produced in small batches by like-minded people. The selection at Joppa is the result of thousands of miles traveled and many years spent eating, drinking and tasting, finding the very best products to bring the world of food to one place.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say overall it has been a very smooth road. I love living in a smaller town on the coast, but there are definitely times that I long for the city population and demographic.
The greatest struggle with owning a small business is staff management. Finding good staff, keeping them interested, dedicated and happy can be difficult at times… Especially when you have 18 employees! It makes for a lot of personalities and a fair amount of managing. I have accepted the fact that no matter how big or small the business, no matter how much experience I have under my belt, it will always be the wild card. All that said, more often than not, I am beyond grateful for the staff I have and the people I get to spend my days with. We are a little food family.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Joppa Fine Foods – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are reminiscent of the days of the neighborhood corner store; a small, brick and mortar shop dedicated to sustaining a personal connection to food. We offer an extensive selection of cheeses, cured meats, wines, craft beers and hard-to-find pantry items. Every day our chefs prepare Panini sandwiches, fresh salads, scones, entrees and side dishes from scratch, using fresh, local ingredients. Joppa is truly known for FINE FOODS. Whether that is the prepared food coming out of our kitchen, the items we have selected to sell on our shelves, the artisanal cheese that we cut to order… Our customers know that every single thing they come across when they walk in the door has been carefully selected and is there with the greatest intention. Nothing is done without taste, careful thought, and conversation. Instead of relying on the trends to guide us, we do our best to create our own path with what suits Joppa best.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My mind is forever spinning with plans for the future. This year, in particular, we are weighing the benefits of some greater shifts. It is scary and exciting… and still under wraps. 😉
Contact Info:
- Address: 50 Water Street The Tannery #305 Newburyport, MA 01950
- Website: www.joppafinefoods.com
- Phone: 978-462-4662
- Email: info@joppafinefoods.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joppafinefoods
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joppafinefoods
- Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/joppa-fine-foods-newburyport
Image Credit:
Heidi Murphy from White Loft Studio
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