With a snip from a ceremonial pair of scissors, the Accord Market, at 21 Main Street, officially opened its doors for business.

“We’re really happy to have the market be the first step in revitalizing Main Street, Accord,” said Rochester Supervisor Mike Baden. “I wish them great success.”

Once barren rows were filled with fresh, locally sourced produce, shelves were crowded with packaged goods and refrigerators were filled to the brim with perishables. One shelf held bags of popcorn from Bjorn Corn, based in Kerhonkson. Packages of meat from Grassroots Farm, in Stone Ridge, sat chilling on a rack and many of the veggies up front came from High Falls-based Tributary Farm and Back Home Farm.

“It feels so good to be able to see the energy come back to Main Street, to offer sustainable products and support local farms,” said market co-owner Emily Haas-Godsil.

At the end of the first row of dry goods, towards the back of the market, Haas-Godsil is building a few gravity and scoop bins that will allow people to buy grains, nuts, and oats in bulk. She explained that this was part of the market’s efforts to offer sustainable products, cutting out unnecessary packaging, at a more affordable price. Just past the register, on the right, a developing corridor will host a selection of beers and ciders for folks to enjoy as well.

The initial grand opening of the market was delayed a few weeks because of an issue with their food deliverer, Haas-Godsil explained. She was happy everything worked out, as the long process to open the market began in July 2020 when she, her husband Ryan McRee, and Henry Rich first brought their business proposal to the Rochester Planning Board in July 2020. The town's initial concerns about parking issues were alleviated after the market won approval for nine spaces and since patrons can use municipal spots behind the firehouse across the street.

The Accord Market is open everyday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Customers are able to order groceries online and pick them up daily, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., or during extended pick-up hours on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. To check out the online shop or learn more about the market, visit Accordmkt.com.

“It’s awesome, innovative and has great items with reasonable prices,” said market shopper Miriam Gibbons, a board member of the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce. “I’ll definitely come back.”

Check out the above slide show for a peek inside!