Rye Business Spotlight: Post Road Market

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Post Road Market
Owners: Matthew & Mary Slater
Website: www.jerrysprm.com
Address: 1000 Boston Post Road Rye, NY 10580

How did you come up with the name?

My grandparents named the store when they opened it in 1937. We are located on 1000 Boston Post Road so that’s where the Post Road part of the name was created.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

“Jerry’s” Post Road Market was established in 1937 by my grandparents Jeremiah & Marie McGuire. It’s legal name is Post Road Market but the town knows it as “Jerry’s” because my grandfather was Jeremiah, Jerry for short.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Grocery Store/Deli/ Catering

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

My husband and I purchased the deli 1 year ago from my parents who had taken over from my grandparents. Although we have worked in the business all our lives, only last year it became legally our business. The most difficult moment we have faced is the pressure to keep up the amazing reputation my grandparents and parents created for Post Road Market. When faced with any decision, I ask myself what would Nanny or Grandpa do ? What would my Dad or Mom do ? It is a ton of pressure but so far I think we are passing the test!

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Growing up in small business I knew first hand of the challenges of owning a business, You don’t own a business, the business owns you. There was some talk between my husband and I before taking on the challenge but we have a strong relationship and knew we could handle it. My parents are helping and they are priceless!

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

We have always been open, it’s just changed hands. Since we became the owners it would have to be the customer’s feedback that we are doing a good job making my grandparents proud.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Re-organizing the deli to make the sandwiches faster. Self serve Iced coffee is working well. We have sandwiches that our customers create and name, we sell those when school starts and the kids love coming up with them.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

Jerry’s Post Road Market doesn’t have difficult customers!

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We donate all sorts of food, water, soda, fruit, Gatorade to all local events. We know Rye is a big part of our customer base, we love to give back.