Welcome to The Village Store
Your Community Grocery Haven!
Located at 23 Main Street East in the heart of Athens, Ontario, The Village Store is more than just a grocery store; it’s a testament to community spirit and revitalization. Opened in June 2018 by JoAnne and Sid Sytsma, The Village Store has become a beloved fixture for Athens residents and visitors alike.
A Journey Through Time
The roots of our store trace back to 1882 when Fred Pierce constructed what was then considered "one of the finest buildings in Ontario." Over the years, it evolved, housing the Pierce Hotel, later known as the Gamble House, offering diverse services from a restaurant to a convenience store.
The building faced challenges, with a portion destroyed by fire in the past.
In 1970, the Swans took over, but tragedy struck in 1977 when half the building succumbed to another fire.
Swan’s Variety was born and a fixture of the Athens landscape for many years. Fast forward to 2017, JoAnne and Sid Sytsma stepped in, purchasing the former Swan's Variety building with a vision to breathe new life into this historic structure.
Undertaking extensive renovations from June 2017 to June 2018, the Sytsmas faced challenges inherent in restoring a structure from the 1880s. The support of local tradespeople was crucial, and the rehabilitation included replacing bricks, installing steel beams, and meticulous restoration of original elements.
Funding from the 1,000 Islands Community Development Corporation enabled the complete rehabilitation of the exterior walls. Reclaiming elements of the original structure was central to the Sytsmas' vision. Salvaging doors, trim, moldings, and boards, they ensured that the building's essence remained intact. Flooring was replaced sparingly, with hours spent restoring it to its original beauty, nails painstakingly removed by hand.
The result is a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern efficiency, evident in the LED lighting, energy-efficient coolers, and sustainable practices throughout the store.
In Loving Memory
In December 2020, we bid farewell far too soon to co-founder Sidney Sytsma. His meticulous attention to detail and culinary passion influenced The Village Store profoundly. Sidney’s legacy lives on in every corner of the store and in the community he helped revitalize.
Embracing Art & History
Recently, The Village Store proudly unveiled “Hay Day,” a mural by artist Dave Sheridan. Capturing Don Cook with his Clydesdales, this mural is a celebration of community heritage. We extend heartfelt thanks to the late Ivan and Helen Pyke for making this mural possible.
Thank You to Athens Heritage Museum
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Athens Heritage Museum for providing invaluable historical information about our beloved building.
