nothin New Haven Independent | Sale in the Works for Main Street Mainstay

Sale in the Works for Main Street Mainstay

Sally E. Bahner

There aren’t too many businesses in town that have been around for 40 years, let alone one where they know your name (Cue the Cheers theme.)

Branford Book & Card Shoppe on Main Street directly across from Town Hall is just that type of business, but that may soon change.

While the business is for sale, proprietor Bob Esposito says, We’ll be here to stay through the holidays.” Holiday merchandise is coming in, he adds, and he expects the status quo for another three to four months.

Sally E. Bahner

Several possible transactions have been in the works, but nothing final has taken place. Esposito declined to share details of what the future may hold for the mainstay of Main Street and Park Street at the town Green. Retirement is on the horizon for Esposito, who showed no signs of slowing down during a recent visit.

The longtime business is a treasure trove of books, magazines, office supplies, greeting cards, confections, knick-knacks, and yes, fine cigars.

Roseann Baroncini, Esposito’s sister, has been behind the counter for 39 of those 40 years, pulling newspapers and handling lottery transactions. (She probably remembers the numbers everyone likes to play!) They are pictured in top photo.

It’s those personal relationships that make the store special. It’s the only place where you can get the Sunday newspapers on Monday … or Thursday. Hand raised here. Baroncini (“Rose” to everyone) also knows that this reporter looks for the September issue of Vogue magazine and the Cat-A-Day calendar, and will put them aside.

Sal Esposito, Bob’s son, is also integral to the business; he’s been there for 29 years. He’s also the owner of P.S. Fine Stationers, just up the street. He said he plans to keep the high-end gift and accessories store indefinitely.

Bob says Art Cooper owned the business as Branford Book for 40 years prior to his acquisition. (This reporter has a long-treasured book Six Plays by Rodgers & Hammerstein,”purchased there on Dec. 31, 1964 for $2.45.)

Sally E. Bahner

Indeed, the block has quite the history. A fire in 1971 destroyed most of it leaving the bookstore as a single story building; apartments were later added. A plaque pays tribute to the Totoket House from 1756 to 1971.

Sally E.Bahner

The Totoket House was built by the grandfather of Rutherford B. Hayes, Ezekiel Hayes and according to Town Historian Jane Bouley, President Hayes visited the decked-out hotel in 1880.

Stay tuned to see what the next 40 years holds!
###

Sign up for our morning newsletter

Don't want to miss a single Independent article? Sign up for our daily email newsletter! Click here for more info.


Post a Comment

Commenting has closed for this entry

Comments

There were no comments