One month after a court ruling put the future Old Mill Grocery in jeopardy — and still several weeks before their busy season begins — the historic Hillspoint Road deli/market/neighborhood institution is turning to the community for support.
Soundview Empowerment Alliance — the non-profit with a dual mission of preserving history and “serving good,” which owns the 107-year-old property — is asking 150 residents, customers and friends to make a pledge to support OMG.
The goal is to help the small business operated by the Romanacci Restaurant Group make it through the quieter months of the year, stabilizing operations and protecting its long-term future.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
“Our community stepped forward once before to save the Old Mill deli from demolition,” says SEA co-founder Ian Warburg.
“Now we’re asking people to step forward again to help ensure this place continues to thrive, as part of the life and rhythm of Compo Beach. It’s an important cultural resource for the neighborhood, and all of Westport.”
Old Mill Grocery & Deli was preserved in 2022, when hundreds of residents contributed to an effort to purchase the property and prevent its potential redevelopment.
Romanacci now provides a full menu, ranging from breakfast sandwiches and coffee to salads, sandwiches, pizza, entrees an prepared foods. There is seating at a communal table inside, and outdoors too.
Saturday morning, at OMG. (Photo/Jim Hood)
Many customers purchase items to go.
With its beachside location, OMG thrives during the summer. But it faces a significant challenge from mid-September through mid-June, when fewer people are in the neighborhood.
As a result — and during a protracted legal battle, with a few people opposing the deli’s alcohol sales, gelato cart and outdoor seating — SEA is asking 150 residents to shift $125 per month in spending to Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
The money can be spent on coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, takeout, catering, or special gatherings.
That would generate about $18,000 in additional monthly off-season revenue.
Community members can “Make the Pledge” by opening a house account, committing to spend $125 each month.
“This is about protecting something much bigger than a store,” says SEA co-founder Jim Hood.
“Old Mill is one of the few true ‘third places’ left in our town. It’s where neighbors see each other, conversations happen, and community life unfolds. If we want that spirit to continue for another 100 years, we need people to make Old Mill part of their weekly routine.”
“Never do we want to hear someone say, ‘I can’t believe we lost the Old Mill. That is not who we are as a community. When Westport cares about something, we show up.”
To partcipate, visit Old Mill Grocery & Deli, create a house account and “Make the Pledge.”
Seems to me there’s a question that needs answering: why, if The Old Mill is such a beloved and integral part of the community, can’t it make it as a viable, sustainable business? First SEA has to step in to save the day. Then Romanacci is brought in to save the day. And still they are asking people to make a monthly pledge of $150 to save the day. Clearly the community support isn’t what people think it is. I wish them well but something isn’t working with their business model.