New York has bodegas. Here in the Boston area, we have something different. So let’s remember some old Massachusetts convenient stores.
I got thinking about this topic after surfing this recent wave of ’90s nostalgia. That wave crested for me with what ended up being a love letter to my all-time favorite candy bar–Sky Bar–which was invented here in Massachusetts. Turns out it’s still made here, too. I learned that when I wrote this piece, and I’d love it if you’d take the time to read it. You’ll learn something! And candy is delicious!
If you’re a Masshole of a certain age, you probably grew up like I did: spending paper route money on candy, chips, soda and the like at your local convenient store. In Greenwood, we had Greenwood Pharmacy, and then Pump N Pantry. But elsewhere in Wakefield, we had convenient stores that were in other towns and cities, too. They were chains, but they were local chains in lots of cases. And they kinda ruled.
Here’s a Bunch of Old Massachusetts Convenient Stores to Remember
Right off the dome, I was able to remember a handful of those corner stores, a few of which are no more. But I wanted to do some digging to make sure my list is comprehensive. Oddly enough, just last month, someone started a “Defunct local convenient stores” thread on r/boston. It’s a pretty short thread (at least as of now), but it’s a good start.
I decided to turn this list into a 12-Inch Poll, just for the fun of it. So take a pass through, find the spot you used to grab your sodas and sweets, and toss it a vote. Oh, and if I missed one, just hit up ROCK 92.9 on your social media platform of choice and let me know. And grab me a Sky Bar while you’re at it.
