Louise McManus, the fearless owner of The Vischer Ferry General Store, has never been afraid of change. It was her adventurous spirit that led her to initially own the store, and it’s that same mindset that has allowed her to continuously evolve and grow her business since its establishment in 2015. “I love trying new things,” McManus stated. “Change is exciting, and learning new things is always a thrill.”
The Vischer Ferry General Store is celebrating a significant change this week, as it unveils a brand-new retail space, an enhanced coffee and bakery program, and the highly anticipated return of indoor seating. Located at 357 Riverview Road in Rexford, the store has become a familiar and charming combination of an eatery and a shop. Visitors can sit back, enjoy a latte or indulge in a cookie or scone while browsing the retail goods. It’s a place where neighbors and friends can come together to chat and connect. Additionally, visitors can even rent bikes for a peaceful ride and a picnic at the nearby Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve.
However, like many businesses, The Vischer Ferry General Store has experienced two distinct phases – one before the COVID-19 pandemic and one after. When the pandemic struck and forced the closure of indoor seating, McManus swiftly adapted to preserve her business and support her community. She began providing essential goods that were in high demand but difficult to find, such as toilet paper, flour, yeast, and face masks. Alongside her colleagues, she implemented a contactless ordering and porch pickup system, ensuring that even senior citizens who were unable to leave their homes were still taken care of.
As restrictions lifted, McManus restructured the store’s interior to accommodate the increasing retail aspect of her business. She invited guests to enjoy their coffee and cafe items on the spacious patio or under the pavilion. However, she felt that something vital was missing – the sense of community that had always been at the heart of The Vischer Ferry General Store. “I created the tag line ‘Gather. Shop. Eat.’ for the business,” McManus explained. “In that order, because above all, it’s a place for the community to come together. When COVID took away indoor seating, we focused on retail, but we lost those connections.”
Motivated to preserve both the expanded retail space she had developed and the beloved indoor seating area, McManus recently renovated the store and designated a new space specifically for retail. This presented the opportunity for her to bolster the cafe aspect of the business, and she brought on Rich Sarnacki of Storied Coffee as the cafe manager. With Sarnacki’s expertise, the lattes and cold brews at The Vischer Ferry General Store have become even more delicious and satisfying.
“We received so many comments from customers expressing how much they missed the communal table,” McManus shared. “This is the perfect chance to bring back what everybody loves while expanding our retail offerings. It’s the best of both worlds. You can order your latte and food, then take a stroll through the store while your order is being prepared. There’s plenty of time for me to chat with customers. It’s a complete experience when you come here.”
And what an experience it is. The Vischer Ferry General Store prides itself on offering a curated selection of international treasures from countries like France, England, and India, as well as locally sourced goods such as honey and maple syrup. Everything is beautifully arranged, providing inspiration to shoppers and presenting a myriad of options for finding the perfect, unique gift. Among the store’s most popular products are its own line of candles, lotions, and soaps, all designed by McManus and locally made in Clifton Park.
“The atmosphere of a place is incredibly important to me,” McManus explained. “When I visit a business, I’m deeply influenced by how it looks and feels. That’s why I strive to create a whole vibe for my customers and offer them something truly special that they can’t find elsewhere.”
In addition to providing exceptional products and delectable food and drinks, The Vischer Ferry General Store aims to create an inclusive and inviting environment where customers’ days are brightened by their visit. “If I go back and read the business plan I wrote in 2013, we’ve achieved exactly what I set out to do – provide a warm and welcoming community gathering place,” McManus reflected. “We’re spreading happiness. It’s contagious within our team and it spreads to our customers. Our goal is for every customer to leave happier than when they arrived.”
With McManus’ unwavering confidence and creative spirit, the future of The Vischer Ferry General Store looks incredibly bright. The store will continue to host events, workshops, and classes, as it has done in the past. “I’m thrilled about this new chapter. We’re improving the quality of all our goods, from retail to the cafe. We’re growing, and there’s a vibrant energy here.”
For more information about The Vischer Ferry General Store, visit their website at vischerferrygeneralstore.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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