Melinda E. Barrett plans to close Barrett’s Specialty Foods at the end of the month. (Jay Saulnier photograph for WHAV News.)
Barrett’s—a Merrimack Street name patronized for decades—will disappear from downtown at the end of the month.
For the last 22 years, Barrett’s Specialty Foods occupied part of the downtown storefront that had been for decades before the home of Barrett’s Menswear. But, owner Melinda E. Barrett said family and other considerations compel her to close March 31. She explained in an interview with WHAV.
“My family is a huge consideration. I’m the youngest of four, my mother is ill. It just seemed like it was time to move on,” she said.
Besides family, Barrett—who is also a city councilor—said while Merrimack Street revitalization is on the horizon, it hasn’t yet made enough progress.
“The transition that we’re experiencing downtown played a factor. It hasn’t been quite as speedy as I had hoped. I believe it is going to happen,” Barrett added.
Barrett declined to discuss her future plans, but said she will always be part of Haverhill.
She thanked customers, friends, family, neighbors and community that “have made this journey so rewarding.”