Oliver T’s Market is a specialty food and beverage store – but it’s not just a store; it’s been a Grand Blanc institution for nearly three decades. Initially built in 1987 by the Hamel family, this intriguing lifestyle market that is geared toward entertaining has been co-owned by Frank and Joann Capoccia since 1990. All four of their children and three of the children’s spouses are store managers. My City Magazine caught up with two of them, Cathy Zeller and Mike Canan to find out why so many people love Oliver T’s. It’s the mission of the Capoccia family to offer their valued customers the largest possible selection of the world’s finest foods and beverages, along with interesting accoutrements for tasteful entertaining and stylish living.
What can you find at Oliver T’s? The better question might be what can you NOT find at Oliver T’s? This specialty store offers everything from fresh-roasted coffees, tantalizing pastries, fine wines and gourmet deli food, to Godiva chocolates, groceries and unique gifts. You name it; you can find it there. Above everything else, you can expect an uplifting and entertaining shopping experience.
Mike states proudly that Oliver T’s is one of the state’s top three retailers of independently produced craft beers, and their selection is impressive. “We can’t keep up with shelf space!” he exclaims. They also stock the county’s largest and finest selections of wine and liquor. Cathy says Oliver T’s is one of only a few stores that roast coffee beans on site, and they offer a huge selection of coffees from all over the world. But it’s the grocery variety that Oliver T’s is best known for, shelf after shelf brimming with imported products and preserves. “We offer the best Michigan- and American-made products,” Cathy added. Items include everything from olive oils, vinegars and sauces to hand-cut meat, chicken, pork and premium quality steaks at a good price, as well as a large selection of cheeses. Shoppers also find kits for making beer and wine, many spices, and a respectable cigar selection, and the store is known for their expertly created gourmet gift baskets.
Oliver T’s is also one of Michigan’s largest independent retailers of Godiva Chocolates. A bakery in California makes petit fours especially for the store, while Oliver T’s own bakery produces sumptuous baked goods including scones, muffins and croissants. “We’re famous for our Caramel Pecan Ring,” says Cathy. Their European breads are made fresh daily at Star Bakery in Royal Oak, MI. What has really become a big hit are their wonderful cupcakes, artfully decorated and available in 25 flavors like Cherry Chip, Chocolate Chip Mousse and Sea Salt Caramel, to name just a few. The bakery staffs seven people to keep up with the demand for the popular pies, cookies and old-fashioned cakes including a rich, decadent Carrot Cake.
It’s been a long day at work and you don’t feel like cooking? Oliver T’s to the rescue! Many customers stop by the deli to pick up a freshly prepared gourmet dinner or a sandwich. Mike says the deli case is filled with a wide variety of ready-to-eat items including their famous buttermilk fried chicken and poached salmon. Also famous is the Two-Dill Potato Salad. On Wednesdays, the store offers a hot lunch buffet from 11am-2pm and on Fridays, they serve fish tacos which are “popular and very good,” Cathy boasts. Friday night is Grilled Burger Night and their tasting room has become a local hangout. Wine tastings are held on the third Thursday of every month and Afternoon Tea is served on Saturdays.
But with all that they offer, Oliver T’s is best known for is their stellar customer service. The staff knows most of the longtime patrons by first name and goes the extra mile to give them personalized service, including special orders. “If you can’t find an ingredient you need on the shelf, we’ll find it in the kitchen for you,” smiles Cathy. “We’re not just a store, we are a gathering place. People always say they are so glad we’re here!”
PHOTOS BY MIKE NADDEO
