Todd & Sarah Anderson + French & Brawn

French & Brawn is the oldest continuously running business in downtown Camden and has welcomed customers to its location on the corner of Elm and Mechanic since 1868. The list of past names of this beloved corner grocery store is about as long as the shop's history. Originally known as Cleveland and Simonton, the shop changed its name every time a partner left and a new one stepped in, with the newest owner’s name always appearing last. The current name goes back to 1963 and looks like it is here to stay.

“According to tradition, we should have changed the name when I purchased the store in 1994 to French & Anderson,” current owner Todd Anderson explains. “But it seemed too much trouble to change all the signage, and so French & Brawn it remains.”

One tradition Anderson has kept up with, though, is customer service. He and his wife, Sarah, say that making shopping at the store a pleasant experience is their number one goal.

“People like that we learn their names,” she says. “It’s a very social place. People gather to chat, and we like to keep everyone happy. When we see people coming back, we know we’re doing a good job.”

The shop may be small compared to typical chain grocery stores, but a surprising variety is packed onto the shelves and displayed in cases. The store offers fresh coffee and baked goods, a full deli, fresh seafood, meats, soup and sandwiches, prepared meals, wine, and beer, produce, dry goods, and more. Custom services include steamed-to-order lobsters, custom-cut meats, and delivery to your boat or home. And they’re open 364 days a year, 13 hours a day (closing only for Christmas)! So, you can stop by for coffee and a muffin on your morning commute, grab a quick lunch at noon, and pick up a store-made chicken pot pie for an easy and delicious dinner that night. Did we mention they offer catering and delivery?

“The beauty of being an independent market is that we can easily bring in new products when our customers ask for special items,” Sarah says. “We’re flexible, and we really appreciate this community.” And it’s not just their customers who love French & Brawn; their employees are pretty happy, too! One has worked at the market for 45 years, and many have stayed more than 10. Visitors come back year after year, too; they love the variety and the convenient location. Pro tip: you can almost always find a ripe avocado in their produce display!

FAMOUS FOR:
Customer service! It’s what keeps everyone coming back. Also, bananas! Bunches hang invitingly in the front window, and the store sells about 600 pounds per week!

ADDRESS:
1 Elm Street in Camden, Maine

HOURS:
Mon through Sat: 6a-7p
Sundays: 7a-7p

WEBSITE:
frenchandbrawn.com

written by: Lisa Utman Randall