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Community Corner

Sandy's Summer Stand: A Reminder of Simpler Times

A quick stop yields superb corn, a sea breeze and a sense of community

One of the nice things about a small family-owned business is that a rapport develops between proprietor and customer. Indeed, during a recent visit to Sandy’s Summer Stand in Cos Cob, it seemed every customer was a chatty regular who’d been loyal to Sandy for many years.

Sandy D’Vileskis, a Greenwich resident for 40 years, started her summer stand 30 years ago on West Putnam Avenue in the parking lot outside a bridal shop. Fifteen years ago “Pappa Fjord” suggested she move her stand to the spot behind his fish store, so customers could source all their fresh dinner ingredients at one stop. She made the move. And what a good decision it was!

Although Fjord Fisheries left the River Road location three years ago, Sandy and her summer stand continue to thrive. The spot offers as close to a drive-through as you can imagine. And even a brief visit yields a nice bit of banter with friends and neighbors, a water view, a sea breeze and, oh, that corn.

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“Corn is number one,” said Sandy. “People know the corn here is very tender and sweet and a lot of them stop by every day for a set number of ears. Some even eat the corn raw off the cob. It’s that tender.”

Second only to the corn, which is delivered daily at 9:00 a.m. from the Enfield, Connecticut area, are the tomatoes. They’re delicious on a summer night in a salad with basil and mozzarella, which Sandy also sells.

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“Number three. The peaches,” said Sandy. “They’re local and delicious.”

“Sandy’s is a destination unto itself. Upscale supermarkets simply don’t have comparable produce,” said local realtor and budding painter, Max Wiesen.

The day of Patch’s visit, the majority of customers appeared to be longtime friends of the owner. That could be intimidating, except that new customers are quickly brought into the fold. Sandy even takes down names and addresses of newcomers to send them a welcome postcard. “I love the one-on-one interaction,” said Sandy.

According to Lyn Burr Brignoli, who moved to town in 1972 and discovered the stand in the mid 90s, “In a healthy community, people are responsible to each other and have a sense of belonging. I consider Sandy my friend. Her produce is absolutely superb, but if, say, one peach in the season is a dud, I can tell her and she makes good. We trust each other and that’s worth gold.”

In her understated manner, Sandy seeks out each customer’s needs. “If you want it ripe today, pick from this end,” she suggests. “If you want it ripe tomorrow pick from the other end.” Nothing has a chance to get old. Her system of rotation has been perfected. And even though there’s rarely a queue, there is always a customer at the stand.

Located at 143 River Road in Cos Cob, Sandy’s Summer Stand is open seven days a week from Memorial Day through September, 9:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The stand will be open all Labor Day weekend.

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