Saved by the community, serving the community
For many years, Chatham Village Market has been more than just a grocery store — it’s been a gathering place at the heart of our town.
Our story begins in the early 2000s with the local A&P on Queen Anne Road. When A&P began closing many of its New England stores, the Chatham location was among them. Three longtime employees — Jeff Heap, Scott McDonald, and Bob White — stepped in. They took over the store’s lease, committed to keeping it alive, and turned it into an independently run, family-style market that served Chatham’s people.
Fast forward to 2011: the market’s lease was expiring, and the property owner was exploring new options. Rather than accept losing their local market, the community mobilized. Over 17,000 signatures were collected, and Chatham citizens turned out to many town meetings to share their support and concerns.
Through negotiation, zoning adjustments, and cooperation, a solution was reached: a new 13,000-square-foot would be built on the site (including an adjacent parcel) so that Chatham Village Market could stay in its place, continue to grow, and share the space with CVS — without sacrificing the character of the market.
Since then, the market has remained true to its roots. From supporting local causes to keeping staff employed even through tough times like the COVID pandemic, its role has always been more than just about groceries. It’s about keeping our town connected.
In 2025, Chatham Village Market changed hands and became a sister store to Dennis Public Market, joining a family of markets committed to quality, service, and community. Even with this change, the market remains firmly rooted in a community-centric focus, dedicated to expanding its quality offerings while keeping the personal touch and customer-first approach that neighbors have relied on for decades.
Most importantly, our story is only possible because of the people of Chatham. The support, passion, and commitment of this community have carried the market through every chapter. We remain dedicated and deeply appreciative of all who have stood behind us, and we will continue working every day to honor that trust and keep Chatham’s heart local. Every time you visit, you’re part of that ongoing story of care, community, and continuity.