Serendipity can play a role in many things, as Jay Patel of Antrim recently learned.

“I came here last summer to visit a friend in Weare, came to Antrim, liked the town, and the market was for sale,” Patel said on a recent afternoon as he stood by the meat counter of the Antrim Marketplace, which he has owned since November.

Patrons of the downtown store at 72 Main St. have taken note of his impact on the establishment, which is open seven days a week. 

“I notice a massive improvement here,” said Michael Dwindell as he checked out with Patel at the register. He pointed to the relocated beer cooler toward the front of the store as an example, above which is a banner proclaiming “Best Beer Selection in Town.”

Patel brought a retail background to the business, and even though a patron recently told him that he’s “there all the time, and should take a break,” he’s very happy, noting that he lives above the store. His background could have led him to a chain operation where he wouldn't have the responsibilities of an entire business, but Patel wouldn’t have it.

“I like being my own boss,” he said. 

Patel has some hot dishes he hopes to offer to customers.

“I’d like to try some new things here, such as fried chicken and pizza,” he said.

Rebecca Labier is already creating sandwiches and salads. David Simpson is the deli manager, and Roger Murray stayed on from the previous owner as butcher. Murray spent part of a recent afternoon educating a patron about the different cuts of meat he was cutting on his butcher’s block. 

“We cut our hamburger from ribeye and sirloin tips. Everything here is homemade. The breakfast sandwiches, the meatloaf,” said Murray. “Come summer, the potato salad will sell out every day.”

Customers from Hancock, Bennington and Hillsborough were meandering the aisles recently, which several said were a bit easier to navigate owing to a bit less clutter with Patel’s ownership.

“I like the new feel of the place,” said Beth Simpson of Hancock.

Joe Ortega of Francestown admired Murray’s efforts creating porterhouse and bone-in ribeye cuts for sale.

“There’s a better quality to the meats offered,” he said. 

“The produce is outstanding,” said Dottie Grimes of Antrim, who also noted the expanded hours Patel has provided. “The market used to be open 8:30 to 7 at night, now it’s 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” she said.

Grimes wagged a finger at Patel, suggesting that he cut back a bit for his own sake. Patel smiled and headed to the register where someone wanted to check out.