TOPSHAM — Forty years after its predecessor launched, the new Rusty’s Market is due to open this fall near its original location. The Priority Real Estate Group had purchased the former market property – opened by Rusty Rancourt at the corner of Middlesex and Tedford roads – as well as two neighboring residential lots. Houses had stood on those lots, 34 and 38 Middlesex Road, since 1964 and 1956, respectively. All three buildings were cleared, and the entire space will serve the new market’s customer base. The new 3,150 square-foot convenience store, which will be about four times the size of the original Rusty’s, will contain a deli and grill. The property will also contain a 1.6-acre green space, on which a farm stand will sit. The stand will allow local growers to sell vegetables, fruits, pumpkins and flowers, as well as Christmas trees. A gas and diesel station will also sit on the property. While diesel is available in Topsham, none is located on that size of town, according to Kerri Prescott, Priority’s director of communications and marketing. Rusty’s will mark the sixth gas station/convenience store that Priority has built. There will be entrances to the property from Middlesex and Tedford roads. The new market’s larger size will offer a greater variety of items to customers, and “it’s just going to be an updated version of what was here before,” Prescott said. “We still want that neighborhood feel.” A grand opening celebration could be held in October.
- The Forecaster