Pumpkin Hill Marketplace to Reopen Soon

The Pumpkin Hill Marketplace on Gallup Hill Road, which closed in early November, is under new ownership and is scheduled to reopen soon – possibly as soon as this week.

Subash Shrestha of New London, one of the new owners, said the small shopping center has undergone extensive renovations in recent weeks, including a new roof and siding, and new floor in the market.

Shrestha said last week the store’s license to sell gasoline was pending. He said the store is likely to be more of a convenience store than a full grocery store, with dairy and food staples, but no fresh meat or produce.

Then again, his shelves were well-stocked with pet food and several brands of laundry detergent, suggesting that the market will offer more than just staples.

“We’ll see how business goes,” Shrestha said. “If the customers like it, we will continue to carry it. Whatever the customers want, we’ll carry.”

This is Shrestha’s first business venture, although he said he has five years of experience managing a convenience store in New London.

Colonel Pizza, adjacent to the marketplace, also closed just before the holidays and is undergoing renovations. Shrestha said the restaurant is expected to reopen as a pizza place.

Bear’s Place, the package store on the other side of the market, has remained open and continues to do a brisk business, according to a store employee.