First Bloom Corner Store

Alison Roman’s Store in Upstate New York Curates the Cookbook Author’s Brand Into Something Buyable | Eater

"A small, carefully curated pantry shop in Bloomville, NY opened by Alison Roman in the lowest level of a building that previously housed a beloved local restaurant. The shop mixes local produce — potatoes and onions from Lucky Dog Farms, garlic from Star Route Farm, flowers from Roses Brook Blooms, and marrow beans from Buttermilk Bean — with international and trend-forward pantry items like Yun Hai Amber River soy sauce, Eden soba noodles, Swedish gingersnaps, conservas (including Minnow cod liver) and Cantabrian anchovies. It also sells homemade goods made by the owner, such as semolina lemon-fennel cake, chicken and pork broths, and fresh tomato sauce with Calabrian chile, plus a private-label sherry vinegar sourced from a friend. Presentation is intimate and playful — a large wooden table with flowers greets customers, handwritten labels and witty signs riff on the owner’s voice, a bowl of Ferrero Rocher is sold for 75 cents apiece, and sticker proceeds benefit the Delaware County Food Bank — creating a warm, parasocial, brand-driven experience. Prices skew accessible (many pantry items under $10, e.g., De Cecco pasta $4, Rancho beans $6) though some specialty items are pricy (Cantabrian anchovies $72), which helps draw both local residents and visitors from nearby cities and colleges. The shop’s opening drew scarce parking and a steady mix of Bard students, Brooklyn transplants, and longtime locals; patrons and neighbors say it feels like a tangible, hopeful boost for a small hamlet that has struggled to retain businesses and residents, and the owner plans to expand offerings (linens and more) as the store evolves." - Callie Hitchcock