About Berkshire Country Store
Become Part of Our Story
Right in downtown historic Norfolk, CT, the Berkshire Country Store stands as a bright spot for lovers of the simple, cozy country life. Our crew, raised right here, works hard to make life a bit sweeter for our neighbors. We fill our shelves with goods that add to life in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut. What you say matters to us—it helps us pick just the right items that speak to our hometown spirit. It’s your needs, your ideas, and your tales that give our store its heart. So, the Berkshire Country Store isn’t just a place—it’s a piece of our local community.
Meet Ryan Craig: Beloved Owner of the Berkshire Country Store
Ryan Craig’s journey, rooted in Goshen, CT, is a story of local dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. Raised amidst the close-knit fabric of Northwest Connecticut, Ryan honed his passion for service at the original Berkshire Country Store during his formative years. After a stint in corporate retail, his love for genuine interaction and community service called him back to the area, leading to the revival of the Berkshire Country Store, opening first in Cornwall, CT in 2014, and then reopening again under the same name in January 2017, in Norfolk, CT. Under his leadership, the store has flourished into a beloved local hub, with a team that exemplifies the pinnacle of customer care. Outside the store, Ryan cherishes moments with his family, a grounding force and joyful counterbalance to his work life.
Our Mission:
At Berkshire Country Store, our mission is to provide the Norfolk, CT community with a welcoming and locally-rooted deli experience. Committed to excellence, we strive to offer a diverse selection of high-quality, locally-sourced products, including fresh deli meats, artisanal cheeses, and homemade specialties.
Our goal is to foster a sense of community by creating a gathering place where residents and visitors alike can enjoy delicious food, connect with neighbors, and experience the charm of Norfolk. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, and customer service, ensuring that every interaction with our store reflects our commitment to quality and integrity.
Community First
As responsible members of the community, we aim to minimize our environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices in our operations. By supporting local farmers and producers when possible, we contribute to the economic well- being of the region while promoting the importance of preserving our agricultural heritage.
Berkshire Country Store is not just a deli; it's a cornerstone of the community, a place where tradition meets modernity. Our team is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment, where customers feel valued and appreciated. We pledge to uphold all legal requirements and regulations, prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of our customers while being an active and responsible participant in the Norfolk, CT community.
In essence, Berkshire Country Store is more than a destination for exceptional deli offerings – it's a celebration of local flavors, a hub for community engagement, and a symbol of our dedication to providing a unique and enriching experience for everyone we serve.
Our Delectable Offerings at Berkshire:
Indulge in the flavors of Norfolk with Berkshire Country Store’s homemade delights. Each dish is a celebration of Litchfield County’s finest flavors, ever evolving to bring you a taste of the seasonal harvest. Wander through our aisles to discover a world of artisanal mastery, where every item, from handcrafted goods to unique culinary creations, reflects Northwest Connecticut’s rich traditions and innovative spirit. Experience the essence of local craftsmanship and savor the stories woven into every product on our shelves.
From Our Patrons' Hearts: Stories Shared at Berkshire
FIVE STARS!
Who the heck is this guy?
The Story of John O’ The Woods
They called him John O’ the Woods. No one, it seems, knew his real name or where he called home. Yet he became one of the most colorful and beloved characters in nineteenth-century Northwest Connecticut. John was a wanderer. Dubbed one of the true “knights of the road” by local villagers, he showed up in Norfolk (or, as he’d say, NorFORK) on a seemingly regular basis seeking the generosity and hospitality of the town—particularly the good food and conviviality to be found at the Berkshire Country Store.
An entertaining conversationalist, John could often be found in his favorite window seat in the Berkshire establishment’s popular “readin’, restin’ and relaxin’ corner” perusing the latest issue of Norfolk Now and spinning tales of, shall we say, questionable reliability, as fellow travelers and Norfolkians alike listened intently. He was, so he claimed, the sole survivor of Norfolk’s dark and ancient past and the only living witness to the “true facts.” Not surprisingly, the hero of his oft’ told “true” stories was usually none other than… John O’ the Woods!
The Whole Story
One of the most oft’ told was the history of Norfolk’s Greenwoods Theater (now Infinity Hall). According to John, the hall was put up for the main purpose of presenting to all of Connecticut his self-proclaimed “virchi-osity” on the old and rare three-string catgut fiddle. Such delight it brought the townsfolk when John lit into a rousing chorus of Stars and Stripes Forever. Oddly, no one can recall ever hearing John play anything but the Sousa tune-over and over and over. Stars and Strips Forever and ever.
Another so-called true tale told of John’s close friendship (“Like brothers, we were”) with the world famous Mark Twain, who in those days visited Norfolk every summer and spent a fair amount of time at the Berkshire Country Store enjoying strong coffee and good cigars. According to John, Twain’s best-selling collection of Mississippi River stories was, in fact, “borrowed” from his own “Life on the Blackberry.” Who knew!
Well, there are just too many legends to tell you here but let it be remembered that, for John, Norfolk was the home he never had and the Berkshire Country Store the refuge from reality that sustained him. Indeed, our sleepy little town never failed to give John “what he wanted” and “what he needed.” And to this very day, that’s the Berkshire Country Store’s promise to you.
Image courtesy of the Norfolk Historical Society
Above story, not so much.
More From The Berkshire Country Store
FAQ
Yes, you can conveniently order online through our website. For an even easier ordering experience, download the Clover App available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and have your favorite items ready for pickup with just a few clicks!
We’re nestled in the heart of Norfolk, Connecticut, at 6 Station Pl, Norfolk, CT 06058. Visit our Contact Us page for a map and directions.
Yes, we offer a variety of gluten-free and vegan options to accommodate our customers’ dietary needs.
Yes, we have comfortable seating available for you to enjoy your meal right here in our cozy store setting.
Follow us on social media to catch all our daily deals and new product alerts. We love keeping you informed and part of our store’s community. So, don’t miss out—connect with us online for all the latest updates!
Yes, we have ample parking available for our customers right outside the store.