One of the enduring treasures of Ivyland Borough is the Ivyland Country Store.
Operating since 1874, the store has provided a variety of goods and services to the community over the years and is held in high regard by Ivyland residents. For the past 26 years, Jim Primodie owned and operated the location as a deli serving breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and it was well known for its good food and eclectic décor that features a mix of memorabilia and vintage items, toys, and bric-a-brac.
Last summer, former Ivyland resident Jamie Oldroyd assumed ownership of the store after Primodie decided to retire. Interestingly, Oldroyd grew up in her family’s Gough Avenue home, just a few houses away from the store. In fact, an original meat smoker from the store was built into her parents Ed and Terry’s kitchen.
She recalls going to the store as a kid to get “penny” candy after school, as did many other youngsters in the neighborhood. Back then, it was owned by the Contis and then the Simons. Later, Oldroyd actually lived in an apartment above the store for several years.
Oldroyd has always had an interest and affinity for food. As a culinary student, she earned her degree from Drexel University and has been a chef. Taking ownership of the Ivyland Country Store was just too good an opportunity to pass up. And it wasn’t on a lark; she’d been speaking with Primodie for several years.
Oldroyd believes that the general-store aspect truly makes the place unique
“I remember when I was in high school going to Appalachia for the summer, and there were these types of stores along the back roads,” she said. “There just aren’t many around here anymore.”
What is the vision for the store going forward?
Oldroyd hopes to continue to offer the old favorites but expand the offerings with interesting food items that reflect her culinary skill. She has a new, expanded menu she’s looking to introduce over time, along with a rearrangement of the fixtures and décor to reflect nostalgic Ivyland history.
For example, she’s added a 1930’s kitchen “Hoosier” cabinet from her parent’s home to use for a coffee and tea bar. She’d like to add vintage items from the former Wagner’s company — donations of items from residents are gladly accepted — and other decorations that are significant to Ivyland and its history.
With six employees, the Ivyland Country Store is well staffed to handle the weekday lunch demand and hopes to perhaps offer a once-a-month weekend breakfast just for residents. Oldroyd wants to make it something “special” that people can enjoy on a Sunday morning.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on BUCKSCO Today in January 2025.
