A Fresh Chapter for Dundee

A story of faith, friendship, and fresh food —

where community spirit turned a question into something extraordinary.

🥖 Back to the Corner Store

In the heart of Dundee, a simple question sparked a movement — and from it, a small-town grocery rose again, filled with fresh food, friendship, and the flavor of home.

In the Finger Lakes, where community runs deep and roots hold strong, a small group of determined neighbors proved that even the biggest dreams can grow in the smallest towns.

A Question That Sparked a Movement

There’s something uniquely heartwarming about rural America — where neighbors still wave from their porches, and community means more than just a ZIP code. These towns are built on hard work, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose. Dundee, with its proud Scottish roots nestled between Keuka and Seneca Lakes, is one of those special places.

But in 2019, when its only grocery store closed, the town lost more than just a place to shop — it lost a daily convenience, a gathering spot, and a piece of its rhythm.

That fall, Alice Lawson posed a simple but powerful question to a friend: “What is Dundee going to do without a grocery store?” That single question became the spark that ignited a movement. Before long, a small group of three determined community members came together, united by a single goal — to find a solution that would work for their small town.

Turning Vision into Action

When the group first began meeting, they tossed around the idea of creating a membership-based grocery co-op — a model that had worked for some communities. But after careful research and reflection, and with a deep understanding of Dundee’s unique needs, they realized that approach simply wouldn’t be the right fit. They wanted something that truly served everyone in town.

They met regularly, brainstorming ideas, researching options, and envisioning what a new grocery store could mean for Dundee. Then, like so many stories in recent years, theirs took an unexpected turn — COVID struck, and life as everyone knew it came to a halt.

Unable to meet in person, they turned their focus to serving their community in another way. Throughout the pandemic, they volunteered at food distribution banks, ensuring that families in Dundee and the surrounding area had what they needed during those uncertain times. Even as the world slowed down, their shared vision never faded.

Renewed Momentum

As America began to open back up in late 2020 and early 2021, that small but mighty band of six dug in their heels and pressed forward. With advice from local leaders and encouragement from their neighbors, they began mapping out real possibilities. One by one, more community members joined their mission — and with them came experience, energy, and heart. Mentors stepped in, ready to help guide the effort, and what started as a small idea began to grow into something much bigger: a community-driven vision to bring fresh food, connection, and pride back to the heart of Dundee.

Looking for guidance, they reached out to the Cornell Cooperative Extension Yates County, whose team not only supported their vision but helped them take the next big step forward. With Cornell’s help, a community-wide survey was conducted to better understand local needs and shopping habits. A connection through  Finger Lakes Economic Development Council led them to Bob Griffin, an expert in economic development with a special focus on the grocery industry — the exact expertise they needed to turn an idea into a sustainable plan.

Building a Foundation

By early 2022, their perseverance began to bear fruit. They learned how to apply for grants — and received them — giving their project the momentum it needed. Among their most valued mentors were Alan and LewAnn Giles, part of the mighty band of six, beloved community members and former owners of the Shurfine grocery store, whose guidance and experience were invaluable.

Deciding to model their new store after Bargain Grocery in Utica — a successful nonprofit grocery that has operated since 2001 — the group found inspiration and a proven framework to build upon. A core team of twelve dedicated community members formally incorporated Dundee Fresh Grocery in 2022, later receiving their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Leslie and Kent Peters made Dundee their home in 2022–2023 and quickly became an integral part of the community. Leslie began volunteering at the produce distributions, and together they have been faithful supporters of the Dundee Area Food Pantry.

Drawing on their years of experience as restaurant owners in Columbus, the Peters generously shared their expertise—scouting auctions and storage containers for quality used equipment to help outfit the store. Their creativity and craftsmanship also shine throughout Dundee Fresh Grocery, including the construction of the one-of-a-kind checkout counter, built entirely by Kent.

Their dedication, hard work, and community spirit have truly helped shape Dundee Fresh Grocery into what it is today.

It was no small feat — but more importantly, it stood as a shining testament to the strength, character, and unwavering commitment of the Dundee community. What began as one woman’s question had blossomed into a shared mission — proof that when small towns dream big together, remarkable things can grow.

Three Years of Growth and Giving

It would take another three years of careful planning, refining their mission, writing grants, and searching for the perfect location before Dundee Fresh Grocery would finally open its doors. During those years, the group never stopped giving back. They continued to serve the community through food distribution programs, ensuring families had access to nutritious food.

Their summer program distributing fresh, local produce flourished — reaching more than 400 families across this rural region. And as the effort grew, so did the number of volunteers who stepped up to help.

There’s something contagious about giving back in a small town. Acts of kindness ripple outward, drawing others in and strengthening the ties that hold a community together. Dundee Fresh Grocery is more than a store — it’s a story of perseverance, compassion, and the unstoppable power of neighbors working side by side for something they believe in.

A Grand Opening Years in the Making

After a soft opening in July 2025, the official grand opening was held on August 21, 2025, with all the celebration it deserved. Coordinated with the Yates County Chamber of Commerce, the event drew local leaders, including the mayor, NYS State Representatives, (Phil Palmesano Assemblyman, and Senator Tom O'Mara) and Town of Starkey Supervisor/County Legislator George Lawson — a proud day that marked not just the opening of a grocery store, but the realization of a dream six years in the making.

Today, Dundee Fresh Grocery proudly operates at 19 Union Street — a location that feels almost poetic. Decades ago, a small corner grocery once served the community from that very spot. It’s as if things have come full circle — a homecoming of sorts. Long before big box stores and chain grocers, small-town America thrived on local corner markets just like this one, where the owners knew your name and your favorite kind of bread.

The Spirit of Small-Town Connection

That spirit is alive again in Dundee. The store takes great pride in offering locally sourced goods whenever possible, working closely with the local Mennonite community to provide fresh produce and meats. Shelves are stocked with all the everyday staples you’d expect from a larger grocery store — but here, they come with a personal touch.

The in-house bakery fills the air with the comforting scent of fresh bread, muffins, and pastries baked daily. It also serves a homemade daily lunch special, complete with cozy seating for those who want to sit and chat, or a grab-and-go option for those on the move.

From the start, the goal has always been bigger than groceries. Dundee Fresh Grocery was built to be a community hub — a place where friends meet over coffee, where neighbors catch up on local news, and where the heart of small-town connection continues to beat strong.

More Than a Store — A Story of Home

Because at its heart, Dundee Fresh Grocery isn’t just about shelves and shopping carts — it’s about people. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, farmers sharing their harvest, and volunteers giving their time simply because they care. Every detail, from the locally sourced produce to the fresh bread baked each morning, carries with it the fingerprints of a community that refused to let convenience or connection slip away.

The story of Dundee Fresh Grocery is proof that small towns still hold big dreams — and that with determination, compassion, and a bit of faith, those dreams can become reality. It’s a living example of what happens when resilience meets vision, when hard work meets heart, and when a village truly looks after its own.

So, whether someone walks through the door to pick up a gallon of milk, grab a warm muffin, or share a cup of coffee and conversation, they’re not just shopping — they’re becoming part of a story. A story about hope, home, and the kind of community that still believes in showing up for one another.

In a world that often moves too fast, Dundee Fresh Grocery stands as a gentle reminder that the best things — like friendship, fresh bread, and faith in each other — are still made close to home.

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