If someone had forecasted the rollercoaster ride awaiting us since January 2023, we would've laughed it off as fiction or perhaps trembled in fear. But here we are, 14 months later since we purchased the property. The valuable lesson learned? Sometimes, navigating into the darkness without a flashlight is for the better. We are now so much stronger and wiser.
Today marks our 1 year anniversary since we reopened our doors to our newly renovated space as The North Haven Inn & Market.
As we look towards the horizon of summer 2024, our commitment to enhancing your market and inn experience remains unwavering.
For those who visit us only during the summer months, anticipate a delightful surprise. Changes are brewing, transforming the familiar into something refreshingly new. And for our year-round patrons, you've witnessed these transformations gradually unfold. Here's a glimpse into what we've been working on diligently behind the scenes.
• Our vision for the market transcends mere dining and to go foods; we hope to craft a space where people gather, linger, and connect — a true third place. To realize this dream, we are welcoming our new Kitchen Manager, Chef Ben Jackson and his family to our island community. He starts the beginning of April. With a wealth of culinary expertise, both in the kitchen and in the wholesale food space, and a fresh perspective, Ben wants to connect to the community and serve the people that make this island such a special place. Extend them a warm island welcome when you meet them.
• David has been working long days expanding our floor space. This is not just about accommodating new inventory; it's about curating thoughtful choices that resonate with you. Despite the building challenges posed by previous ownership's neglect, we've tirelessly remediated the damage. Prepare to witness the unveiling of a brand-new section.
• In our commitment to inclusivity, we're thrilled to announce that the market now accepts food stamps, SNAP, and EBT, with plans for WIC acceptance underway. While we fine-tune our new POS system, rest assured that we're exploring ways to streamline your transactions. Cards on file are paused for now, but we hope to implement something this summer. Stay tuned.
• Efforts towards sustainability and energy efficiency are underway, as we pursue federal grants to offset the costs of renewable energy sources. By reducing our utility expenses, we aim to pass on the benefits to you through lower prices. However, achieving this goal will require a collective effort, likely involving fundraising to bridge the remaining financial gap.
• Our pursuit of renewable energy isn't just about cost savings; it's about resilience. With a diversified energy system in place, we can weather unforeseen disruptions and safeguard our inventory — ensuring that our commitment to quality remains unwavering.
• David's relentless efforts have transformed a once excessively damaged apartment from the explosion attempt, into cozy abodes for our dedicated staff. The damage was thousands of dollars, a cost we didn’t foresee, and during the winter time when sales are slower, this has been difficult. Our manager, Joe, is already settling into his new home, with plans underway for the next one-bedroom apartment. We're optimistic about completing the other apartment by summer — fingers crossed!
• Exciting news for our inn guests — booking directly through our website now offers greater convenience and reduced rates compared to Airbnb. Throughout the winter, our doors remained open, offering a haven for travelers seeking a respite from the ordinary. With summer reservations filling up fast, secure your spot soon — especially if you need accommodations for visiting family.
• Our “full farmhouse” booking remains one of the island's best-kept secrets, offering ample space for up to 13 guests without the burden of a weekly rental requirement. Whether it's for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, our doors are open to welcome you.
• We created a small “guide” to North Haven on our website, and the reaction has been so positive! We love supporting other island businesses, and it has been really great for visitors to be able to gather information in one dedicated spot.
• The summer season is gearing up! We are always looking for seasonal and year round staff to join us. We offer an employee discount, housing for year round, full time employees, and are implementing a health benefit option for our year round, full time employees as well. We truly value and appreciate all of the hard work our team puts into the market and the inn. Please reach out if you are looking for seasonal or year round employment.
As we navigate the ever-changing tides, our commitment to growth and improvement remains steadfast. With each step forward, we're excited to uncover what the remainder of 2024 has in store for us — and for you.
