MOUNT VERNON — Route 13 Stop is now open to serve those living south of Mount Vernon with grocery, deli and carryout service. Located at 7411 Newark Road, Route 13 stop is the brainchild of Tom Buchanan.
It was started by Tom and his wife, Lisa, in 2008 as Countryside Creamery, selling homemade ice cream and gelatos. Unfortunately, the time was not right for selling specialty items so the Buchanans sold the ice cream making equipment and opened the grocery.
“It was a transitional thing,” Buchanan said talking about going from ice cream to groceries. “We sold the ice cream equipment and we got a loan and start this business.”
The Buchanans bought the building in 2005.
Although Buchanan had not been in the grocery business before he did have experience in food service for many years.
“I was in it (food service) for probably 25, maybe 30 years,” he said. “I worked for restaurants and such. But the grocery business, not so much.”
Route 13 Stop offers deli meats and cheeses, salads, breakfast croissant sandwiches (Monday through Friday only), a wide range of subs, desserts and a daily hot lunch special.
The grocery side offers baked goods, snacks, beverages, frozen foods, household supplies and pet supplies.
Carryout service is available for all deli items as well as beer and tobacco products. Buchanan suggests calling ahead for carryout of deli items.
