The Canterbury Country Store is back in business – mostly – as it gears up for a formal opening this weekend.

“We have most of our inventory in. There are a few more things that have to come in,” said Silvia Styles, inventory clerk at the historic store in the center of town, regarding the store’s soft opening on Saturday. “We’re still baking away. We have wonderful sandwiches. We’ll have soup and salad, probably next week.”

Beer and wine supplies are expected to arrive by Friday in time for the weekend’s grand opening.

The Canterbury Country Store, which traces its history back to 1767, has been closed for months undergoing renovations as it gets re-imagined by its latest owners, Jane and Dave Balshaw, the 23rd set of people to operate it over the centuries.

The store is owned by a limited liability corporation that may be unique in the state, The Canterbury Community Market LLC; about 370 people currently own shares.

 A separate group, Friends of the Canterbury Country Store, has since been formed to do fundraising and community events to help keep it going.

One big change in the store is an outdoor seating area, made possible by a new septic system built by the store, the town and the United Community Church.

Hours are Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

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