The Hamptons are a place where hedge funds outnumber hedges and even the lemonade stands look like boutique pop-ups. But amid all the glamour, the reopening of the Sagaponack General Store has somehow become the buzziest thing this summer.
The Sagaponack General Store
Tucked between farm fields and multi-million-dollar beach houses, the Sagaponack General Store has always been more than just a place to grab a snack. It beats at the heart of the Hamptons’ tiniest and most exclusive villages. Since opening in the 1800s, the store welcomed neighbors catching up, kids spending their allowance, and mail arriving with a healthy side of local gossip. When it closed in 2020 for a much-needed renovation, the town didn’t just lose a shop — it felt like losing a friend.
Why all the buzz?
So, why has this unassuming country store become the new hotspot in a zip code better known for Teslas and Topiary? Because the magic isn’t just in croissants or the coffee — it’s in the community. The vibe says, “step back in time but bring your Amex.” Inside, you will discover South Fork’s largest penny candy selection, still scooped from drawers that once held 19th century post office mail. Soft serve ice cream flows like it never left. The house-made chicken pot pie delivers the kind of comfort that doesn’t try too hard. Drinks like Olipop and kombucha keep things modern for the gut-health-conscious crowd.
If you’re feeling fancy, a sleek marble food counter and barista station serve up grab-and-go meals crafted by Chef Daniel Eddy. The menu has hearty meatloaf and pot pie — high end but no pretense. And tucked behind it all sits the fully-functioning post office. Here, 1500 brass boxes gleam once again, thanks to the skilled hands of a local blacksmith. Nothing captures small-town magic quite like mailing a letter in a space that looks frozen in time.
Revamping of the Store
The store has reopened under the care of billionaire philanthropist Mindy Gray. It has undergone a massive renovation that somehow makes it feel both brand new and older than ever. The original 1878 building is moved 15 feet back from the road for safety. A wraparound porch has been added. Salvaged wood, antique signage, and even an old poultry feed sign now serve as rustic-chic decor. That rooster on the vintage sign? It’s the store’s new logo.
Architect Frank Greenwald helped lead the transformation. This included a new parking lot, a deep waterproof basement with a commercial kitchen, and a geothermal heating/cooling system. Yes, Sagaponack nostalgia now comes with sustainability credentials.
Mindy Gray’s mission is clear: she didn’t want Sagaponack to become “just a collection of homes.” Her restoration of the store is less business, more preservation of community soul. In a village full of second homes and social exclusivity, the store gives people a place to casually connect — humble, historic, and real. And in the Hamptons, that’s rare enough to be priceless.
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FAQs
Q. Who spearheaded the renovation of the Sagaponack General Store?
A. Sagaponack General Store has been renovated by billionaire Mindy Gray.
Q. Where is Sagaponack?
A. Sagaponack is a small village in Long Island, New York.
Q. Can I buy souvenirs at Sagaponack General Store?
A. Yes, you can buy souvenirs at Sagaponack General Store.
