Maxi's Restaurant Welcomes You!
On November 19, 2005 Tom and Tracy Bryant opened the new doors to Maxi's Restaurant and welcomed the public to their "Open House". But the building has an interesting past, as do so many in New England where the life of the structure stands in tandem with rich history.
Originally, this was the site of a typical Vermont farm and remained so until the flood of 1927 although the land had been subdivided to meet the needs of the owners and a growing town. Tom Flannery purchased the homestead from his father, P. J. Flannery in 1919. The great flood of 1927 destroyed the original building, but Tom rebuilt and opened the first market on this site. In 1945 Homer Ryle purchased the property and changed the business name to Ryle's Market. Ryle's Market was sold to Maurice Lemay in 1951, but continued doing business as Ryle's MArket. In 1953 Maxfield "Maxi" Irish and Walter "Bud" Deal purchased Ryle's Market from Maurice Lemay and changed the business name to I'Deal Market, a play on the names (I)rish and Deal. Maxi and Bud remained partners until 1961 when Maxi purchased Bud's half of the ownership. Bud went on the the car sales business remaining employed at Wheeler Chevrolet (now Freedom Chevrolet) until his untimely death in 1972.
However, Maxi wasn't without good help. His partner in life and the store, Marjorie "Marge" (Town) Irish remained by Maxi's side over a half of a century at I'Deal Market. After 51 years in the business Maxi and Marge finally sold their beloved store to Tom and Tracy Bryant on April 4, 2005. But Tom and Tracy weren't interested in continuing in the store business. They had other plans for the building, but it would carry on the legacy of Maxi Irish.
Maxi Irish remained steadfast in his role as the consummate grocer and what is now a rare breed, the local butcher. Though Maxi's forte was quality meat, he will be remembered as an icon for his humanistic approach to doing business in a small community, a local's local. Customer service is not something that comes in a can. It is a concept to be nurtured and the truth is it isn't all that complicated. Maxi used to say "if you like it tell a friend. If you don't like it, tell me!" Most importantly Maxi treated everyone with a genuine sense of caring and respect. One felt "at home" in Maxi's I'Deal Market. You can't fake that!
It is this concept and the legacy of Maxi that prompted Tom and Tracy to name their new restaurant business after MAxi Irish. He was a master of customer service. Maxi's approach was so simple yet seemingly illusive for so many businesses. Remembering one's name and their latest problem or sticking a lollipop in the end of a hot dog for a wide-eyed youngster was routine for Maxi. Tom and Tracy are carrying on the tradition of Maxi by offering a great product and consummate service. If you have enjoyed your experience at Maxi's, please tell a friend. If not, please tell Tom or Tracy. Maxi is watching.
