Marie and Austin Grady opened The Little Country Store in 1988 in the historic Thompsonville section of Enfield, CT across the street from St. Patrick's Church.

After only one year in business it became apparent the store was too small so Austin & Marie rented space just down the street where Spaulding Flowers used to be.  A month after the move, the building burned to the ground and the Gradys lost everything.  It seemed like they might have to go out of business.

The family pitched in and about four months later, the Gradys re-opened their doors.

In the early years, Marie did it all by herself.  However, with business growing and some health problems, Austin and the children started helping out -  Kelly during the week and Donna on weekends and holidays.

After the passing of Austin & Marie, a big decision had to be made whether to keep the store open or close.

Well after much discussion and knowing that Austin & Marie's dream was to someday have their children take over the business, the decision was made to keep the store open.

Donna and Kelly have been operating the store since April, 2004 and hope to continue serving the community just as Austin & Marie did.