Established in 1945, Pet Pantry Warehouse has a long history in Greenwich. Barry Jacobson bought the business in 1995, with his sons Ari and Adam joining him full-time along the way. Adam serves as Executive Vice President and Ari as Vice Pesident.
The independent, family owned retailer expanded to a second location in 2006, with the addition of a store in Rye. Since then, expansion has resulted in new outlets in Larchmont, Wilton and New Canaan.
The building at 290 Railroad Ave, which measures in at 12,000 sq ft wasn’t always dedicated to retail. For a time it was used as a warehouse, selling to wholesale customers like veterinarians and animal hospitals and shelters, with just a portion of the store dedicated to retail. Over time the downstairs of the building became entirely dedicated to retail, and the second floor dedicated to office space for the operation. And, unlike big box pet stores, Pet Pantry focuses on high-end products that are natural and healthy.
Pet Pantry does not sell puppies or kittens. In fact, the Jacobson’s offer up their stores to local rescue groups for adoption events every weekend, and are a longtime sponsor of Adopt-A-Dog. Ari and Adam partner with that non-profit every year for Puttin’ on the Dog and Howl and Prowl fundraisers.
CL&P is now Eversource though the building still bears its name at 330 Railroad Ave.
Eversource, formerly CL&P has proposed a Greenwich Substation and Line Project that will extend approximately 2.3 miles between the existing Eversource substation in Cos Cob to a new substation at 290 Railroad Ave. The company said the existing infrastructure serving Greenwich will to reach its maximum capacity in 2017, and a new substation will address increasing customer demand.
Reached by phone on Thursday for comment on the transition at 290 Railroad Ave, Adam Jacobson graciously declined.
“We have hired outside counsel to represent us on the 290 Railroad Ave issue,” Jacobson said. “I’m sorry I can’t comment further.”
Jacobson did emphasize his operation’s community ties. “We’re part of the fabric of the community and hope to serve the community for another 70 years. Greenwich is close to our heart.”
1191 East Putnam Ave, the former home of Baang. Credit: Leslie Yager
Of Pet Pantry’s Feb. 3 purchase for $2.7 million of 1191 East Putnam Ave, Jacobson said, “The plans for 1911 East Putnam Ave were already part of our expansion effort.”
Ari Jacobson at the 2014 Howl & Prowl event his company sponsors for Adopt-A-Dog. Ari had just adopted pit-bull “Rex,” who he renamed “Storm.” Credit: Leslie Yager
The space in the former Baang restaurant at 1191 East Putnam is just 3,538 sq ft, versus the 12,000 sq ft at 290 Railroad Ave.
On Tuesday Eversource is having a public information meeting at Greenwich Town Hall from 600-8:00pm.
Meanwhile business goes on as usual at Pet Pantry. There is adoption event set for Saturday Feb. 28, from 12:00-3:00pm, when Tina Aronson from Cat Assistance will have two rescue Shih Tzus available for adoption, and another event on March 14, from 10-2pm, with Adopt-A-Dog called “The Underdog Event.”
See also:
CL&P, Now Eversource, Public Meeting on Proposed 2.3 Mile Line Project & Substation
PHOTOS: Adopt A Dog’s Hoooowllll & Prowl Showcases Great Creativity
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