The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Flagship Maple Leaf Markets now open
SHERRILL, N.Y. » Despite his success from ventures such as the Turning Stone Casino and SavOn stores, Nation Enterprise CEO Ray Halbritter saw another avenue for growth, one that would take initiative in collaborating with local small businesses. On Nov. 1, 2017, Halbritter saw his latest idea come to fruition as the Maple Leaf Market opened its doors to the public.
Speaking on behalf of the Nation’s newest convenience store, Public Relations manager Kelly Abdo described the primary focus of the Maple Leaf Market, which was to provide a place that would “focus on fresh, made-to-order food, one that we believe will become synonymous to Central New York.”
In order to give the Maple Leaf Market a CNY feel, the Nation has reached out and partnered with several local businesses to host some their products. More than 30 Utica Coffee flavors will be available by the cup as well as by the bag. There will also be an assortment of pastries offered by Syracuse’s Tasswood Bakery. Other businesses showcased include Sherrill’s own Joe’s Jerky, contributing various types of jerky as well as a variety of spices and sauces, along with HP Hood, which will provide several kinds of drinks and dairy products.
Customers have the ability to personally customize their orders through an interactive touch-screen. The Maple Leaf has an extensive menu offering hot and cold sandwiches, freshly baked rolls and bread, salads, soups, and more.
The quality of the food being prepared and sent out of the kitchen will be overseen by Jaime Monnet, who has worked with the Turning Stone culinary team at Pino Bianco. Monnet will lead the Maple Leaf Market commissary team, located across the street from the Maple Leaf, in a former SavOn store.
In addition to promoting local businesses, the Maple Leaf prides itself on the opportunity to help expand the job market. So far the Sherrill location has hired more than 35 employees.
Coming out of New Jersey with a 25 year background in working with convenience stores such as Wawa food markets, the Nation chose John Boucouvalas as director of retail operations for all current and future Maple Leaf Markets. Boucouvalas plans on setting the bar high for the flagship location, saying it will “serve as the model location as we expand into markets around the region. We value our guests and their feedback, consistent with the Oneida Nation’s philosophy for putting our guests first; and we are committed to exceeding their expectations every time they walk through the door.”
During their first day of operation, several customers awaited their order. One of them was Wesley Durant, a drywall worker and frequent commuter to the Sherrill area. Durant expresses his solace in the convenience of a quick, one-stop shop now located in the city. Sitting at one of the tables offered to those wishing to eat-in, Durant said the Maple Leaf Market is “definitely something the area has been lacking. Not only are they boosting the revenue and supporting other local businesses, but offering a quick meal for people constantly on the run.”
Open 24/7 and located at 11 East State St., Sherrill, N.Y., on the corner of Sherrill Road and Route 5, the flagship location will be the first of five that will open within the year. Following the Sherrill location, the next Maple Leaf Market is set to open in the spring of 2018 on Route 5 in Chittenango.