Business & Tech
An Olive a Day: New Life Comes to Belmont Hill Store
Couple from the Golden State attempts to revive neighborhood deli/grocery store; Olive Market and Deli at 92 Park Ave.
"Harry" Varjabedian has been in the food service business since he was in high school in his native California.
"It's what I know," Varjabedian ("Just call me Harry. It's easier.") said, dashing about the still new Olive Market and Deli at 92 Park Ave. at the Route 2 overpass a stone throw from Arlington Heights, serving coffee and checking supplies in the back.
Once home of Sage's – an outlet of the legendary Harvard Square grocer – and then Belmont Market, Olive is an attempt by Varjabedian and his wife, Pearlene, to revive "that old fashion deli and market that supplied the neighborhood with a little of everything they need without traveling to the supermarket," he said.
The Varjabedians opened Olive in May and have been slowly building a cliental among residents and those commuters who drive by every day.
Varjabedian ran a successful sandwich company and catering business near Los Angeles when he and his wife, Pearlene – who he met and married 15 years ago – decided last year to trade coasts and make a life near her hometown of Watertown.
Resettling in Bedford, the pair was looking for an business opportunity when they came across the former Belmont Market on Park Avenue available
What they found was a good size retail space in a great location – on residential Belmont Hill and Arlington right on the Route 2 on and off ramps– but in desperate need of TLC.
"It was dark and wasn't very clean. It had become a place to sell lottery tickets," said Varjabedian.
"It was the neighborhood gambling den," said customer Kevin McGann, who came for coffee and a pastry.
"This is definitely a much needed improvement," McGann noted.
For Varjabedian, he wants to be known as much a good neighbor as a convenient grocer.
"What we want to bring back is the neighborhood deli" with a focus on healthy Mediterranean fare and providing a gluten-free section to meet a spike in consumer demand.
What was once dank and claustrophobic is now open and light in the store. On the shelves are Mediterranean and Middle Eastern staples: Sadaf spices, strong Turkish coffee, infused oils from Lebanon, pastas and more. In the freezer, hand-made chicken pot pies and lobster ravioli are along side trendy ice creams and other treats. Where once lottery tickets were sold now sports a deli with Boar's Head meats and cheeses. There is also caffeine and danishes for morning commuters.
In addition, the store will be seeking local food businesses and suppliers to partner with.
"We are still debating what we will be offering here. We are slowly gauging what the neighbors want. We're still learning," said Varjabedian.
In the near future, the back of the store will be opened up where a new expanded deli will be located which will have salads, specialty cheeses "more of a gourmet shop," said Varjabedian. It will also provide the opportunity to expand its existing platter business highlighting events such as parties and holidays and its sandwich menu.
"We want to stay close to the standards of the neighborhood," said Varjabedian.
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