Enfield Store Re-Opens Under New Ownership

ENFIELD, CT — A longtime Route 5 institution has re-opened in Enfield's Historic District under new ownership, but with the intention of returning some of the standards that once made it among the most popular spots in town.

Tony's Little Store, a staple at 1436 Enfield Street under several names for decades, has officially been re-named Stevie's Little Store, though the sign over the door remains the same as it has been for over 30 years - for now.

Longtime Enfield resident Steven Ragnauth bought the business in Oct. 2017 from Vimla and Vijay Aghera, as well as the property from Anthony and Lynn D'Angelo. The D'Angelos had owned the building, constructed in 1820, and land since 1988, according to Enfield property records.

During their final few months in business, the Agheras had exhausted their inventory, basically selling just cigarettes and lottery tickets before the sale to Ragnauth, according to new general manager Nate DeGray.

Upon purchase of the site, Ragnauth began gutting the store until he was able to start putting product in about a month ago. The store officially opened Wednesday.

Ragnauth works a full-time job and will not be at the store as much as DeGray, but he and his sister will be active.

"People will be dealing mostly with me," DeGray said.

At first, the store is carrying limited products: cold beverages, snacks, candy and cigarettes, as well as a full line of CT Lottery games. It will soon add staple grocery items like bread and milk, as well as ice cream and expanded cigarette offerings.

A big part of the plan is to bring back an old favorite from the days when the store was known as Hartley's Market: a sandwich counter and deli area, featuring a variety of sandwiches and soups. A coffee station is also in the works, as well as Keno and newspapers, DeGray said.

"We want to be more like a local market, rather than a convenience store," he said.

Two young ladies who walked into the store Wednesday afternoon were thrilled to see it open again.

Mara McGuinness, who now lives in New York, said, "This is exciting! I grew up on Orbit Drive and have come here all my life. I was super sad when it closed."

Her sister, Megan Rooney, said, "I can't wait for sandwiches to come back."

For the time being, the store will be open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. As product expansion unfolds, the hours likely will increase, DeGray said.

For more information, call the store at 860-741-0843, or visit its Facebook page.

Photo credit: Tim Jensen

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