Mashpee, MA Mashpee Commons has welcomed two new retailers to the shopping destination. The Pretentious Pickle, purveyor of all things pickled, has opened at 16 North St. The boutique food market, founded by Pembroke resident Lorraine Connell, gives “pickled products the respect they deserve.”
The company specializes in everything pickled, from the classic dill and bread and butters, to all manner of pickled vegetables like carrots, okra and jalapeños. They also carry unique items for the pickle connoisseur, ranging from pickle popcorn and lip balm to cotton candy and vinaigrette.
Connell’s passion for pickling came from her father, who grew up in a family of 14 brothers and sisters in Maine, and his mother, Ola, who canned food to sustain the family through the winter. Today, Connell’s products remain rooted in the same tried-and-true traditions and recipes.
“Mashpee Commons is the perfect setting for our new Pickle store,” said Connell. “Their dedication to supporting local entrepreneurs, combined with their high foot traffic, made this a natural next step for us. We can’t wait to introduce our distinctive line of pickled products to Cape Codders and the many tourists that visit Mashpee Commons.”
The Pretentious Pickle debuted at farmer’s markets in 2016 before opening a store on Water St. in Plymouth and eventually building a commercial kitchen in Pembroke. While the commercial kitchen remains in Pembroke, the new storefront in Mashpee Commons is currently the only retail storefront for the company.
“We are proud to have a diverse retail mix that is 70% small local businesses and The Pretentious Pickle is a perfect complement to that roster,” said Krysten Kelliher, marketing director, Mashpee Commons. “Its product mix is an exciting combination of nostalgia and novelty, offering a unique blend of products not found elsewhere on the Cape.”
Uva Wine Boutique, a specialty wine shop, opened in Mashpee Commons (Cape Cod). A grand opening celebration on May 7 included a ribbon cutting ceremony and complimentary prosecco tasting.
The boutique features an expertly curated selection of wines from small, family-owned vineyards around the world, as well as wine-related merchandise. Situated next to its namesake restaurant, Uva Wine Bar, the shop carries many of the selections available in the bar.
“Since our opening in December, our customers at Uva Wine Bar have expressed interest in purchasing the wines we serve. While our initial on-premise liquor license didn’t allow for sales, we recognized an opportunity and decided to open a companion boutique,” said Michelle Manware, co-owner of Uva Wine Bar & Boutique. “Now, customers can enjoy tasting a selection of wines next door and have the option to take their favorites home.”
“In addition to the wines available in the wine bar, our boutique will feature local craft beers, specialty foods, wine-related merchandise, seasonal gift baskets, and more. It will be a one-stop shop for all Cape Cod wine lovers,” said Katy Thayer, co-owner of Uva Wine Bar & Boutique.
Uva Wine Bar, the region’s only self-serve wine restaurant, allows customers to pour their own wines from self-pour dispensers that line the walls. They can opt for a 2 ounce, 4 ounce or 6 ounce pour of any of the wines for a unique wine tasting experience. Selections include popular varietals from around the world, as well as limited offerings of special reserve wines. The restaurant also serves craft beers, charcuterie, grilled cheese sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and locally made desserts.