Westborough Package Store to Remain in Business

Responding to rumors that the is closing, owner Ralph Halpern told Westborough Patch, "A lot of people are asking if I'm closing... I just turned 60. I figure that I have a few years left. I'm not going anywhere."

Ralph said that his business has been hurt by increased competition from new liquor stores in the area, unemployment and the price of gas.

He said he noticed less traffic in the rotary during the day, but added, "... sales have been all right at night."

Commenting on the increased number of liquor stores and outlets in Westborough, he said, "Everywhere you go, there's too much of everything."

He added, "I'm just trying to pick my spots to purchase products... We're good people and we're not afraid to answer questions. We'll do what we always do, offering special case lots of wine and taking care of parties."

95 Years in One Location

The location of the Westborough Package Store has been in the Halpern family since 1917, when Ralph's grandfather Sam opened The Central Market. According to Ralph, his father Alvin revamped the space as the Westborough Package store after Prohibition. Ralph worked in the store growing up, and has been full-time since about 1976 or 1977. He said, "This place has been very good to my family as has the town of Westborough."

Ralph, who lives in Framingham, owns the building at 2 West Main St. He said that he rents four offices on the second floor to artists and three on the top floor to other businesses. He said that these offices are starting to fill up, but two are available for rent by calling 508-366-2211.

Focus on Service

"I was brought up here. I've watched the town grow from farms to a busy place... A lot of days it's more like fun than work. It's (my) passion," Ralph said.

He plans to continue to offer good personal service. Ralph said his one full-time and five part-time local, long-time employees will always carry customer’s purchases to their car. The store sells wine, beer, liquor, snacks, soda, ice and lottery tickets.

Deborah Limanek, owner of the , which is wedged into the corner of the Westborough Package Store said, "The Westborough Package Store is a landmark on the downtown rotary." And there are no plans for it to move anytime soon.

Westborough Package Store

• 2 West Main St.
• 508-366-2211
• Open Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 6 p.m.