Rusty Lantern Markets Unveils Next Generation of Stores

Rusty Lantern Markets unveiled its next generation of stores this month with the opening of a first site in the foothills of Maine and two more ground-up developments to follow. The new build includes a full kitchen, space for services and additional merchandise, a revised floor plan, modern restrooms and forecourt updates for ease of access and parking, the company said.

Here's a look at the new store ...

The store in Turner, Maine, reopened Dec. 6.

“We’re excited. The new layout features a much bigger and brighter building,” said John Koch, manager and CEO. “We’re serving made-to-order and grab-and-go items from a full kitchen, and our aisles, beer cave and coolers are stocked with more local goods and national convenience items.”

“The sites are meant to be a great local gathering place and have been modernized to continue their history of service, ” Koch said. “This generation of stores has lodge-like indoor and outdoor seating, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, large restrooms and an open floor plan. We’ve added more Irving fuel pumps. The lot provides easier access, and there’s plenty of parking.”

The next two stores to open will have identical footprints and brand schemes. The West Paris, Maine, store will open this month, and the Bethel, Maine, store will open in mid-January.

The rebuilt stores are part of the integration of the Mallard Mart stores acquired by Rusty Lantern Markets in August 2022. The acquisition included these three rebuilt stores, as well as a fourth site in Livermore Falls, Maine. The rebuild process began about a year later, implementing designs Rusty Lantern developed with one of its core partners, Paragon Solutions. Retail designer Paragon has been integral to the design of the chain’s layout, façade and overall design strategy since the company’s inception in 2015.

Based in Brunswick, Maine, Rusty Lantern Market now operates 26 convenience stores and branded fueling stations in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.