From one family business to another
On a recent warm and foggy evening, just past East Monponsett Pond on Holmes Street in Halifax, a steady flow of customers came in and out of Lindy’s General Store. Many seem like regulars, although there are a few new faces behind the counter.
Lindy’s, a Halifax institution, was sold on April 28th from Adam Worrall, the 18-year owner, whose father started the Lindy’s stores and named them after his mother. The family business was sold to another family which has their hand in convenience stores across the South Shore and beyond.
Vishnu Patel, an immigrant to the United States from India who landed in New York City 22 years ago, purchased Lindy’s from Mr. Worrall. Mr. Patel has run convenience stores in New York, but moved up to the South Shore for friendlier faces and a more laid-back pace of life.
Mr. Patel owns two other stores, including Bennet’s General Store in Duxbury (for nine years) and another one in Worcester. His son-in-law and other family members also own convenience stores throughout the area, including Lawrence and Hanover.
The father of three says that he likes the business that he is in because he enjoys being out in the community, and can be found affably chatting with his customers throughout the day.
He stated that he has been welcomed into Halifax in the last few weeks, and enjoys the town–and people– very much. He doesn’t plan to make major changes to the store, keeping the look and feel Lindy’s has retained for many years, but does plan on bringing in more beer and wine, and further convenience items.
Asked if he was living the “American Dream”, Mr. Patel enthusiastically responded, “Yes! This is the American Dream.” From one family to another, Lindy’s seems it will continue on for years to come.