The town manager of Hooksett says he believes Robie’s Country Store, a staple in the center of the town for decades, won’t remain closed for very long.
Town Manager Dean Shankle describes the quaint country store, a longtime campaign stop for presidential primary hopefuls, as an important part of the psychological makeup of the town.
“I can’t see Robie’s being closed permanently. It’s just a temporary thing.”
Debbie Chouinard has run the business for the last eight years, but she stepped down on Sunday. That was the store’s last day, at least for the time being.
The Robie’s Country Store Historic Preservation Corporation purchased the building from the Robie family in 2000.
Shankle has spoken with the building’s owners and says they are optimistic they will find a new tenant.
“The biggest thing is just getting in their mind is getting the right match, somebody that fits and understands not just how to run a small store like that, but what Robie’s mean to the town of Hooksett.”
He says the 100-year-old building must first go through an inspection to see if any upgrades are necessary.
