WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The local non-profit that recently purchased the Store at Five Corners announced its selection of Corey Wentworth as the new Store Operator who will be responsible for reopening and running the Store.

 

"We're thrilled to announce that Corey Wentworth, a talented chef and restaurant/café manager, will be running the general Store and café," Karen Charbonneau, president of the Store at Five Corners Stewardship Association said. "Corey comes with decades of cooking and managerial experience, a vision of the Store returning to the community gathering place it once was, and a passion for the opportunity to serve everyone delicious food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere."

 

Originally from Maine, Wentworth has spent years working in restaurants, first as a line cook/supervisor and later as chef/manager, at establishments including the Salty Dog and Flour Bakery + Café in Boston, Duckfat and Fore Street Restaurant in Portland, Maine, and Tourists Hotel in North Adams. He lives with his wife and three children in Hancock.

 

"I've lived my life in kitchens, and they are one of the spaces that make me happiest and they are where I feel the most energized and engaged," Wentworth said. "Cooking delicious, honest food that centers amazing local ingredients, giving people a satisfying meal and experience that brings them joy, and nurturing a welcoming gathering space is a large part of who I am."

 

The store, located at the intersection of Routes 7 and 43 in Williamstown, has been closed since July 2020 and has had several owners over the past two decades. The property dates to 1770 when it opened as a tavern. The Store at Five Corners Stewardship Association purchased the property in early 2022.

 

"Since moving here from Boston with my family in 2018 I have grown to love the Berkshires and the wonderful people who live and work here," Wentworth said. "I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the Store at Five Corners Stewardship Association to revive this community touchstone. This is a dream come true and I can't wait to share this exciting experience with everyone who stops in." 

 

"We'll keep the community posted about our progress towards the Store's opening, and all the work the Stewardship Association is doing on this beautiful, historic building in preparation," Charbonneau said. "We're looking forward to a reopening day in June, when everyone will have a chance to meet and welcome Corey."