Behind the busy shelves, walls steeped in history.
Established in the heart of the village for decades, “the grocery store of La Motte” comes alive again, after seven years of absence, under the impetus of the Danchin spouses… and the nostalgic gaze of the various owners, who succeeded each other at the head of this stall over time.
“Gosh, the interior has changed a lot but the walls are still standing!”exclaims Jeanine Petit, facing the storefront.
Born in La Motte 93 years ago, Jeanine was one of the first owners of the brand, bought with her husband Georges in 1966.
Years of watching the generations pass
“At the time, we lived in Cannesconfides Jeanine. And it was my mother, living in my native village, who let us know that the grocery store was for sale. She convinced us to take it back and that’s how we started this chapter of our history, which will have lasted no less than twenty years”before the store was sold in 1986.
Twenty years of seeing the Mottoise generations pass and grow.
A “beautiful adventure”as human as it is professional, also experienced by Anita Quinchon, 77, who replaced Jeanine Petit’s successors at the head of the grocery store in 1989. Nothing predestined this former bank employee, originally from Lille but living in Muy since 1983, to take over the business.
“I had never had any experience in trading beforeshe concedes. My children were grown up, I was feeling blue when I was alone at home, so when I learned that the grocery store was free, I didn’t hesitate for long.”
Accompanied by her husband, who will join her a little later at the helm, Anita has also rubbed shoulders with generations of Mottois.
“A great adventure awaits us”
“We knew everyone’s habits and stories. Every day, many children waited their turn in front of the candy jars. And every morning, the postal workers stopped by the grocery store to buy something to prepare their snacks. They were a hell of a team.”she remembers, with amusement.
“ When my husband and I moved to Le Bourguet, a few years after the sale of the grocery store in 2001, it happened that young people, whom we had known as children, recognized us and challenged us in the street”adds the Mottoise, her heart full of nostalgia.
The adventure then continued, first led by Alexandra Mandarino, then by her mother, Lina, until 2015.
“I worked as a veterinary assistant, so nothing to do with running a grocery store.smiles Alexandra. I bought a village house opposite and, as it was for sale, I thought why not! Then my mom took it over in 2007. This grocery store will always be part of our history, of the slices of life of the people of Mottois. And to see her resurrected today is something, yes!”acknowledges Alexandra with a smile.
Remained closed for seven years, the place has just come back to life, after the crush of Pascale Danchin, who fell in love with the place.
Installed in La Motte for six years, with her husband Marc – at the head of the Archaeological Museum of the antique oil lamp and ceramics –, the ceramist has chosen to make it a delicatessen.
And thus to perpetuate decades of history. “As for my predecessors, it’s a great adventure that awaits usenthuses Pascale. And, beyond the commercial aspect, the opportunity to create and strengthen the links between Mottois!”
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