Cape Vincent market receives $5,000 grant for beverage station
French Towne Market in Cape Vincent is planning a self-service beverage station after receiving a $5,000 micro-grant from the Cape Vincent Local Development Corporation.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
French Towne Market in Cape Vincent is planning a self-service beverage station after receiving a $5,000 micro-grant from the Cape Vincent Local Development Corporation, according to information provided in a ClickNNY community submission.
The planned station is expected to include a Slush Puppie machine, a cappuccino machine and other beverage equipment. The grant was awarded to market owner Mike Chavoustie, according to the Cape Vincent Local Development Corporation.
Grant supports planned market upgrade
The award comes from the corporation’s $20,000 Micro-Grant Fund. The fund offers grants of up to $5,000 to local small businesses, nonprofits, community groups and individuals, according to the information provided.
Cape Vincent Local Development Corporation secretary Dave Snow described French Towne Market as “an important part of our community.”
A September 2025 joint meeting of the Town of Cape Vincent, Village of Cape Vincent and Local Development Corporation listed a micro-grant fund among planned 2026 projects. The meeting minutes are available through the Town of Cape Vincent.
Market’s role in Cape Vincent
French Towne Market is the only grocery store in Cape Vincent, according to a 2024 report by North Country Public Radio. That report said the store, formerly known as Aubrey’s Market, was closing for the winter for the first time amid rising costs, competition and a shrinking population.
A 2026 feature described the store as a family business that has served the village for many years. Without the store, shoppers would otherwise have to drive more than 30 minutes to Alexandria Bay or Watertown, according to that feature.
The 2024 report also said a local food pantry uses a voucher system at the market to help residents obtain fresh items the store does not stock.
What happens next
The beverage station is planned as an upcoming upgrade. The market can be reached at (315) 654-2381. Updates from the Cape Vincent Local Development Corporation are available on its news page.
This was submitted by a ClickNNY user and has not been independently verified by ClickNNY.com editorial.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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