A fourth-generation family-owned convenience store that’s been a staple of Southwest Harbor for 77 years, serving both locals and visitors year-round, went on the market this week for $2.299 million.
The property is listed by Terri Musetti Needham of Swan Agency Real Estate.
“Would you like to own one of the oldest standing businesses on the island,” Needham posted on Facebook. “Amazing sales and it comes with a house for employees!”
Local residents posted surprised reactions in the comment section.
“Never thought that would happen,” said one.
“The end of an era,” said another.
Called Gott’s Store and located on well-traveled portion of Route 102 between Southwest Harbor and Tremont, on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island, the business offers grocery and take-out, beer and wine, produce, a meat counter, daily lunch specials and pizza. A gas station is out front.
Gott’s Store, which has an address of 111 Bass Harbor Road, is a popular stop for early-rising fishermen in the area. Out back is a commercial kitchen that has long turned out items such as grab-and-go sandwiches and baked goods such as whoopie pies and cookies, as well as pizzas. Seafood items include lobster and crab rolls, clams and scallops. An ice cream window is open during the summer. Kitchen personnel have typically started cooking well before dawn and store hours go from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“Amazing opportunity to own one of the oldest running businesses on Mount Desert Island,” the listing says. “This store has been a staple of Southwest Harbor for 77 years serving both locals and visitors year-round.”
The 4,800-square-foot store is situated on 1.79 acres. There’s a 996-square-foot, 3-bedroom 1-bath home on the property that could provide employee housing or additional rental income. The structure was built in 1944.
The sellers are Jennifer Gray and her father, Timothy Gott, Needham told Mainebiz.
Needham has received one query so far from a local party interested in the listing.
In a Sept. 9 post, Gott’s Store said the kitchen was very understaffed and might have to cut back on the items it could make.
The family-owned island institution was opened by Ava and Ronald Gott on Oct. 8, 1944, according to a 2019 article in the Mount Desert Islander. The store remained in the family through four generations.
At one time the store operated 24 hours a day.