Big Y opens doors on Boston Road


In lieu of a ribbon, store manager Michelle Crawford, backed by department supervisors, cut a cake to commemorate the store's grand opening. Reminder Publications photo by Courtney Llewellyn

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor

WILBRAHAM Donald D'Amour, CEO of Big Y World Class Markets, said that the company's newest store, which opened at 2035 Boston Road last Thursday, was the most beautiful one put together so far and he hopes that, due to its location, it will also be the "Friendly-est."

The Big Y on Boston Road is the D'Amour family's 58th store built since brother Gerald and Paul D'Amour opened their first store in the Willimansett section of Chicopee in 1936.

Charles D'Amour, the company's COO, told those who gathered for the store's grand opening that they will continue to promise to be a world class market for their newest customers. "We are always striving to be a little bit better," Charles said.

The ceremony began with the salute of a newly raised flag from the VFW Post 6714, the singing of the National Anthem and the playing of taps to remember those we've lost. Then, store manager Michelle Crawford greeted those in attendance and introduced the various department supervisors.

Sen. Gale Candaras' aide Darlotte Justice and Rep. Angelo Puppolo were on hand to help celebrate the store's opening as well.

"It's important to have an American and a family owned company," Puppolo stated. "It's about giving back to the community." The self-proclaimed Big Y card-carrying member presented a citation from the House of Representatives to the store.

Big Y gave back to the Wilbraham community in a big way during the opening ceremony. The store donated 500,000 Education Express points to each school in the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District and the Wilbraham & Monson Academy, which can be redeemed for various educational equipment.

To officially open the store, Crawford cut a cake instead of a ribbon because "we are in the food service industry," she said.

"It's a great looking store," Selectman David Barry said. He had stopped in to stock up on some grocery after the opening ceremony. "It will be a welcome addition to Boston Road."