Lettuce remember: 129 years of Slocum & Ferris

Posted on January 17, 2025 | By Alexander Chafe | 0 Comments

 

Portraits of Slocum & Ferris founders George W. Slocum and John D. Ferris (photo credit: Julia Wright/CBC)

Once one of the oldest businesses in New Brunswick’s historic Saint John City Market, Slocum & Ferris operated for 129 years. What started as a simple produce trading business grew into a grocery store and later evolved into a restaurant offering unique in-house prepared foods and locally-made products. Although the business closed for good in 2024, there’s no denying the impact it had on the local community.

Getting started

The beginning of Slocum & Ferris dates back to 1895 when George W. Slocum and John D. Ferris moved from Waterford, New Brunswick to Saint John. The business partners started a namesake produce trading business in the city’s local market.

Initially selling produce to riverboats on a consignment basis, operations evolved into a small grocery store over time. By the middle of the 20th century, Slocum & Ferris sold canned foods, spices, other staple goods and some specialty grocery items. During this time, the business also began selling dulse—a dried edible purple seaweed harvested in Grand Manan, N.B. and known worldwide.

Slocum & Ferris’ famous dulse, lettuce and tomato (DLT) sandwich (photo credit: Dave Forestell)

Serving change

In 1989, long-time owners Dave and Sherrie Forestell purchased the business from an ad in the classifieds. When they took over Slocum & Ferris, it still operated as a small grocery store. However, the couple soon began experimenting with selling hot and ready food, starting with a sausage-on-a-bun sandwich, fried rice and other simple dishes. Noticing the popularity of each new item, the couple slowly built a full menu and transitioned Slocum & Ferris from a grocery store to a restaurant. A unique item on the menu was Forestell’s popular DLT sandwich; dulse, lettuce and tomato on toasted bread.

Despite the change in business model, Slocum & Ferris continued to sell local products like saltwater taffy, Pal-o-mine bars and maple syrup.

Corey Dugas (right) and Joanna Killen (left) outside of Slocum & Ferris after taking ownership of the business (photo credit: Huddle)

New ownership

After closing shop during the pandemic, the Forestells got a break from the busyness of operating a restaurant. In an interview with CBC, Dave Forestell said it was great to get a taste of retirement, which inspired them to make a change. In 2021, they sold the business to long-time customers Corey Dugas and Joanna Killen.

Wanting to breathe new life into the business, the new owners planned to bring the business online, launch a bakery and introduce take-home family meals. They also took inspiration from Slocum & Ferris’ historic roots and added new menu items that paid homage to popular restaurants that used to be in the area.

Slocum & Ferris signage outside its shop in the Saint John City Market (photo credit: Julia Wright/CBC)

Closing shop

On March 9, 2024, Slocum & Ferris closed its doors. As the sole owner since 2022, Corey Dugas explained in a CBC article that foot traffic in the area never rebounded since the pandemic and rushes from cruise ships during tourist season weren’t enough to sustain the business. Having eaten at Slocum & Ferris since he was a kid, it wasn’t an easy decision for Dugas.

After 129 years of operations, many still have fond memories of Slocum & Ferris and its longstanding place in the Saint John City Market.

Note: A representative of Slocum & Ferris was unavailable for an interview; the above article is based on third-party research.


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