There’s a New Business in Town:
Chelsea Quik Stop Opens
By Cornelia Cesari

A busy life is a balancing act. No one knows this better than Tom and Charlotte Mullen, who share three businesses and five children between them. This past year, they faced a new challenge in balance when they purchased Sanborn’s Harness Shop on Main Street in Chelsea and undertook its transformation into Chelsea Quik Stop.

"It’s hard to balance conveniences for today’s lifestyle with—well, this is a really pretty, historic town," explained Charlotte. "We want to provide an old country store feeling with modern convenience."

As a mother, she recognizes the importance of details like pay-at-the-pump ability and public restrooms with diaper changing stations, but she doesn’t want a modern, steel-and-glass mini mart in her hometown.

The Mullens agonized over many building renovation decisions with this in mind. They had to replace the front door for handicapped accessibility, and chose glass rather than steel.

"We even considered painting the glass," Charlotte said, because wood just wouldn’t work.

"The front of the building (other than one door) is unchanged," Tom points out, and they carefully considered their choices of lights and sign. State regulations and safety issues were factors as well.

The Mullens plan to provide fast, cooked-to-order hot food, pizza, deli sandwiches, a variety of tossed salads, and baked goods, all made on the premises. They also hope to stock locally produced food such as vegetables, in season, and Horizon Organic dairy products.

The Mullens say they want to accommodate the community at the Chelsea Quik Stop and encourage suggestions and feedback. They will be open weekdays from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sundays, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. The Chelsea Quik Stop will be managed by Donna Woodard of Tunbridge.

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