Recognizing the People Making a Difference in Our Community
Do you know a person, business, organization, or volunteer making a difference in our community?
A Community Staple: Gary’s Groceries
For more than four decades, Gary's Groceries has been much more than a place to pick up groceries. It has become a gathering place, a local landmark, and a reflection of the people and community that built it.
Gary’s story began long before he ever stepped behind the counter of the family store. A trained chef, Gary attended the prestigious Fannie Farmer Cooking School in Boston before returning home to Nova Scotia. In his early career, he worked with the Coast Guard and managed kitchens in local hotels, developing the culinary skills and work ethic that would later become the foundation of the business.
In July, Gary marks 41 years since taking over the store from his wife Debbie’s uncle, Damien. Born and raised in Havre Boucher, Gary has always remained deeply connected to the people who call the community home. That connection is at the heart of everything the store represents.
Gary and Debbie raised their two children, Angela and Devin, in the community, and today their growing family continues to be part of the business. Their seven granddaughters are already beginning to help out around the store, proudly learning the ropes from “Papa.” Debbie, a retired nurse, laughs that retirement did not exactly slow life down. Instead, she traded one busy career for another and now spends her days working alongside Gary in the kitchen and bakery.
Their daughter Angela steps in to help relieve some of the pressures that come with running a small independent business. From ordering supplies and coordinating inventory to helping with baking and day-to-day operations, it is an important part of keeping the store running smoothly. As the next generation becomes more involved, Angela will eventually take over (or one of the grand-daughters) the business when Gary finally decides to slow down, although those who know him best suspect that may still be a long way off.
While Gary and Debbie are often the faces people associate with the store, they are quick to point out that the success of Gary's Groceries would not be possible without the dedicated staff who work alongside them every day. Over the years, many employees have become like extended family, building relationships with customers and helping create the welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back. From stocking shelves and serving customers to helping in the bakery during busy seasons, their hard work, commitment, and pride in what they do have played a vital role in the store's growth and success. Gary firmly believes that a business is only as strong as the people behind it, and he is grateful for the staff who have helped make Gary's Groceries the community staple it is today.
Over the past 41 years, Gary has witnessed enormous change in the grocery business — from the way products are sourced and delivered to the relationships with suppliers and vendors, and of course, the rising cost of groceries. Through every challenge, adaptability and hard work have remained constants.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business experienced tremendous growth, especially in the bakery department. Their fresh baked goods quickly gained a loyal following, helped in part by a very popular social media presence that draws customers from across the region. On busy baking days, people travel from all over — from Cape Breton to New Glasgow and beyond — hoping to get their hands on fresh treats before they sell out.
While the bakery has become widely known for favourites like donuts, oatcakes, cinnamon rolls, and Red River bread, there is no strict formula behind the menu. Each day is a little different, often depending simply on what Gary and Debbie feel inspired to bake.
Despite the growth and attention, the heart of the business remains unchanged. The local community continues to be the backbone of Gary’s Groceries, and one of the greatest joys for Gary and Debbie is the people they meet every day — the familiar faces who stop in daily, travellers passing through town, and visitors from around the world making their way to and from Cape Breton. Many even stop back in on their return trip to the airport, a small but meaningful reminder of the impression the store leaves behind.
At its core, Gary’s Groceries is about more than food. It is about community, connection, and showing up every day to do your best for the people around you — something Gary and Debbie have been doing faithfully for over 41 years.
See What Gary's cooking today! - Visit Gary's Groceries Facebook Page: