Hina and Mukesh Patel are the proud owners of Country Farm Liquors, serving and supporting the Hopkinton community for more than two decades.
PHOTO/DEBORAH BURKE HENDERSON

Many people in town know Mukesh Patel as “Mike.” He and his wife, Hina, own and operate Country Farm Liquors at 3 Cedar St., adjacent to the Post Office downtown. Their son, Neel, serves as store manager.

Nearly three decades ago, the couple came to America from the state of Gujarat located on the western coast of India on the Arabian Sea.

“We are industrious and very proud of our strong work ethic,” Patel stated, adding, “We wanted to run a local business here that would help people.”

Shortly after their arrival stateside, the couple purchased what was then a Cumberland Farms convenience store and changed the name to Country Farm. Within the past 10 years, they’ve had plans to transform Country Farm into a liquor store. Finally, last February, the Patels secured an all beverages alcohol license from the town’s Select Board when Old Town Liquors closed its doors.

“We also own the building at 68-72 Main St. that housed Old Town,” Patel stated, “and we are currently working with a commercial real estate agent to find a client for that storefront space. There’s been quite a lot of interest, but people seem to be holding back because of the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. We are hopeful to fill the space sometime in the new year.”

Country Farm Liquors launched its grand reopening in July and was welcomed by Chamber of Commerce president Christina Morrissiey as the chamber’s newest member.

According to Neel Patel, Country Farm has an established wine selection to appease the most specific tastes, small batch bourbons and a well-established variety of vodkas, other spirits and liqueurs, along with the top brands of beer, including Hopkinton’s own locally made craft beers. Special wine orders are possible, and customers requesting such orders are asked to allow at least a two-week advance notice for proper fulfillment. Staff will alert customers if that notice time might be shortened.

The shop also carries a modest amount of food items such as milk, eggs, juice, water, soda and candy. Lottery tickets and cigarettes also are available for purchase. A convenient ATM machine is inside the store, and just outside the storefront customers will find packaged ice for sale.

For now, the store is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., and closed for major holidays. Staff and customers are expected to follow the current health and safety protocols, wearing masks at all times and maintaining physical distancing once inside the shop.

Proud to be part of the local community, the Patels and Country Farm Liquors sponsor the town golf league, support the Police Department, and make financial contributions to help support Hopkinton High School programs.

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