Local Market Welcomes New Ownership Ahead of 75th Anniversary
WESTERLY — A new chapter in the story of Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium, a beloved family-owned market located at 15 Post Road, began this week as it approaches its 75th anniversary.
William and Danielle Turrell have officially purchased the business from William’s aunt and uncle, Jim and EmmaLee Goddiess, who operated the store for the last two decades. Founded in 1952, Sandy’s offers a variety of fresh produce, prepared foods, deli selections, specialty groceries, and carefully curated goods.
This transition marks a significant moment in Sandy’s history, which began in the 1950s as a small fruit and vegetable stand on West Broad Street in Pawcatuck. The market is set to celebrate its milestone anniversary in 2027.
In 2007, Jim and EmmaLee Goddiess took the reins from Bob Hoffman and his wife, Elly, who had served as stewards for 32 years. The Hoffmans had taken over from brothers Michael “Mickey” and Sam Cofone in 1974.
“Twenty years ago, we were entrusted to be the third stewards of Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium, an institution in the Westerly Community,” the Goddiess couple wrote in a heartfelt farewell message to customers and staff. They reflected on their journey, filled with early mornings, long days, laughter, challenges, and countless memories.
Under the Goddiess’s leadership, Sandy’s has thrived while maintaining its independent, neighborhood-market charm that has endeared it to the community.
“As today marks the end of this chapter for us, it begins a new one for William and Danielle Turrell,” they stated, expressing confidence that the community would welcome the new owners as warmly as they had been welcomed.
For William, the purchase of Sandy’s fulfills a long-held goal. He reminisced about his summer jobs there during his student years, longing for the opportunity to continue the family legacy once his aunt and uncle retired.
“I’ve been connected to Sandy’s for much of my life, and I’ve always hoped I might have the opportunity to own it someday,” William shared. He and Danielle are eager about the future but recognize the weight of the history they are inheriting.
William deepened his connection to Rhode Island while attending Johnson & Wales University, where he earned a Master of Business Administration. He also spent 12 years with ALDI in store development, refining his expertise in grocery retail.
Danielle brings 25 years of experience in property management and real estate. Their combined backgrounds equip them to navigate the next chapter of Sandy’s.
“I’m naturally nostalgic, so there is something very special to me about becoming part of a business that has served this community for nearly 75 years,” Danielle said, emphasizing the importance of preserving Sandy’s history while investing in its future.
The Turrells plan to uphold Sandy’s focus on quality food and personalized service—elements that have defined the market for generations. Their strategy includes making thoughtful investments in the store and fostering relationships with local and regional producers.
“We see ourselves as both owners and stewards of Sandy’s,” Danielle explained. “Our goal isn’t to change Sandy’s into something unrecognizable. We want to honor its history, take excellent care of what has been built here, and prepare it for the years ahead.”
As Sandy’s approaches its remarkable 75th anniversary, the Turrells look forward to celebrating its rich history while embarking on a new chapter—one that honors the contributions of Jim and EmmaLee Goddiess and the generations of employees and customers who have made Sandy’s a cornerstone of the Westerly community.
