Under heavy renovation, Tranten's grocery store holdings have expanded to this downtown Farmington location. The new location was the former Howard's Rexall Drug Store which closed this fall. Construction is underway and the new businesses are expected to open at the beginning of next year. (David Hart photo) FARMINGTON - - "When you have three brothers you never have an even vote," said Clay Tranten. "This one was unanimous," he added, speaking of the new Tranten's grocery store and eatery opening in January in the building formerly occupied by Howards Rexall Drug Store. Howards Rexall had occupied that space for decades before closing its doors at the end of September.

Clay and brothers, Don and Neal, have expanded their grocery store holdings to break into the wide open downtown Farmington market.

The three brothers, owning a third generation grocery store business, are three of eight brothers and sisters. "We do it as a democracy and sometimes it results in a 'majority rules,'" said Donald Tranten. "We all recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses and work together as a team," he said.

Their grandfather, Harold, opened the business in 1955 when he moved to Kingfield. Their father, Neal, retired in 1998 leaving the brothers the business. This year alone, the three completed a major expansion and renovation project on the Kingfield store including a much needed state-of-the-art laundry in town.

The new Farmington store will be a hybrid between Tranten's and Tranten's Too with new built-in display cases for frozen food, an on-site fresh cut meat section, fresh vegetable displays, a deli as well as a full line of groceries. Tranten's has and will continue to support locally grown produce as seen in the Kingfield location.

"There is no other store like this in downtown Farmington," said Don Tranten. "It's within easy walking distance for college students, residents living near the downtown area and nearby businesses," Tranten explained. The new store also features plenty of parking out behind the building.

Don Tranten was pleased to announce last week that within the store's new 7,000-square-feet an Amato's food center will be open to serve its patrons. "Their recognizable name and their reputation of quality foods," is the reason Tranten said that Amato's was sought. Possibly in the spring a patio area out back will be developed to allow customers a relaxing outdoor environment to enjoy their experience.

The Farmington store, simply called Tranten's, is in the process of taking applications for 10 to 15 new employees.

They also may continue a delivery service that the former Don's AG offered before they closed two years ago. Don's AG was located across the street from the building that the Tranten's now occupy.

The Tranten's businesses are associated with the Associated Grocers of New England, a Pembroke N.H. cooperative.

The building is currently under heavy renovation with work by Foothill Management, AG New England Staff, Pinkham Electric, Bakers Hill Builders, Jim LaBrecque innovative refrigeration systems, Amato's staff and a variety of family members.

Don Tranten expressed appreciation for Bill Marceau of Foothills Management who acquired the historic building. After the Tranten's hade been looking to break into the Farmington market for five years, Marceau knew the Tranten brothers would be the right match and approached them in Kingfield. "We're appreciative of him for thinking of us first to occupy this space. He has great ideas and has been wonderful to collaborate with," Tranten explained.

"Other businesses and residents are very receptive and welcoming to us coming in to the business community," he added.

Tranten said he and his brothers were very excited to open the business in Farmington. "The more we renovate the space, the more we are finding out about the history of the building and of Farmington, which makes it even more enjoyable to occupy that space and be part of the downtown Farmington experience."