A Whimsical Neon Sign in the Meat Department Shows an Unhappy Fella’

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 2,132)

“It’s Official – We are Opening on June 30th” – states a new sign on the door of the Hilltop Superette – a welcome sign that impatient  neighbors started looking for shortly after its door was shuttered and the store closed last March because of a two-alarm fire that changed the ownership of the building and left many in the neighborhood missing their favorite pizza, beer and cigarette store.

Nate Philbrick, General Manager of the new Hilltop Superette Today

On Monday, June 30th life on Munjoy Hill will return to normal – to the relief of many of its residents.

While customers can still get those favorites, more items have been added to the product line according to Nate Philbrick, general manager. One case will carry meat, sausage and poultry.  Philbrick, a butcher as well, says he expects that product to arrive the end of this week and put in the cases ready for sale on Monday.  Also a small selection of vegetables will be available toward the back of the store, such as onions, carrots, and the like. There are double television monitors over the cashiers’ space and security cameras are mounted both inside and outside – something new here.  Wooden picnic tables will be set-up outside as well in the near future. Lottery tickets will once again  be sold as well as a full line of newspapers at the almost 80-year old store located at 135 Congress Street; at the corner of North Street.

“That place needed a lot of love for a long time,” said Dickie Collucci, a former, minor owner of the former Colucci’s Superette.  His sister and brother-in-law sold the property to Bill Simpson last August five months after the devastating fire.  “I’m certainly planning on shopping there.  Everything has fallen into place,” said Colucci who lives on the Hill.  “I love my new life.”

The Hilltop Superette will be open seven days a week.  Sunday through Thursday from 6 am – 11 pm.  Friday and Saturday from 6 am – midnight.