Empire State Development and New York Department of State Announce Ribbon Cutting for Nature’s Storehouse Expansion in Canton

NY Forward project doubles footprint of landmark downtown natural food business to add new full-service cafe, expanded retail and four newly renovated apartments

Photos of the expanded space available here

Empire State Development and the New York Department of State today announced the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Nature's Café, marking the completion of a major expansion at Nature's Storehouse, a staple natural food market in downtown Canton. Supported by $497,000 in state NY Forward funding and a $50,000 National Grid Main Street Revitalization grant, the $662,000 project seamlessly integrates 21 Main Street with the adjacent historic property at 19 Main Street. The transformation doubles the store's footprint, adding a sit-down café, an expanded bulk and fresh produce area, and four renovated upper-story apartments.

"Nature's Storehouse has been part of Canton for more than 50 years, and Nature's Café grows that legacy," said Nature's Storehouse Owners Clark and Yen Maine. "We wanted a place downtown where people can slow down, eat local food cooked from scratch, and gather with neighbors. We're grateful to New York State, National Grid and this community for helping make it happen."

"Under Governor Hochul's leadership, NY Forward is making targeted investments that revitalize historic downtowns and empower local entrepreneurs across New York State," said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. "Nature's Storehouse has long been a cornerstone of Canton, and this transformative expansion not only doubles its footprint and preserves a historic Main Street building, but also creates vibrant new housing, dining, and expanded market opportunities for North Country farmers."

"I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking ceremony to expand Nature's Storehouse, which has been a fixture in downtown Canton since the 1970s. Congratulations to owners Clark and Yen Maine who have been dedicated to improving not only their business but their entire community," said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. "The $497,000 in funding from the Department of State's NY Forward program has helped create an area where locals and visitors can not only shop and enjoy fresh food but also enjoy the urban revitalization. I want to thank Governor Hochul for understanding the needs of our smaller communities and creating the NY Forward program designed just for them."

National Grid Regional Director of External Affairs Alberto Bianchetti said, "Main streets thrive when local entrepreneurs have the resources to invest in their future. We're pleased to support Nature's Storehouse's expansion in Canton, a project that enhances a valued community business while contributing to the ongoing revitalization of downtown and the economic strength of the North Country."

The $662,000 renovation modernized the historic buildings while expanding community services and access to locally sourced food:

• Nature's Café & Expanded Retail: Built out a full-service, scratch-cooking kitchen and sit-down dining. Offerings include an espresso bar, avocado toast, organic smoothies, sushi, spring rolls, pressed paninis, grain bowls, and house-made soups and ramen, with daily vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. High-protein meal preps are delivered every Friday in Canton and Potsdam, and delivery is available via DoorDash and Uber Eats. The café is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Historic Restoration & Infrastructure Improvements: Removed the party wall dividing 19 and 21 Main Street to create an open, unified layout; installed ADA-compliant front and rear entrances; upgraded commercial equipment and building systems; fully rehabilitated four upper-story apartments; and restored exterior masonry, facades, signage, and energy-efficient windows.
• Local Supply Chain Support: Doubling the market's size allows Nature's Storehouse to deepen procurement partnerships with North Country farmers and producers, supporting local agriculture, strengthening the regional food economy, and creating new jobs in St. Lawrence County.

After spending four years abroad, Clark and Yen Maine returned to their North Country roots in 2022 to raise their family and lead the family enterprise, Adirondack Fragrance and Flavor Farm. Clark, a Parishville native, and Yen, a Taiwan native and recent citizen of the United States, expanded their local investment in 2023 by acquiring Nature's Storehouse-becoming only the fifth owners in the store's 54-year history. Their expansion preserves a historic Main Street structure while building a modern, community-centered destination.

The Village of Canton-a historic crossroads in the St. Lawrence River Valley-was selected as a $4.5 million NY Forward Round 2 winner for the North Country region in 2024. Designed to complement the State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) by supporting smaller and rural downtowns, NY Forward funding in Canton supports five key initiatives:

• Nature's Storehouse Expansion ($497,000)
• Revitalize the Former Midtown Plaza to Create a Mixed-Use Space ($2,000,000): Redevelop the former Midtown Plaza into a mixed-use space that provides housing, an entrepreneurship center and community amenities.
• Upgrade Park Amenities in the Village Green to Enhance Community Space ($1,096,000): Upgrade Village Green with improved pathways, lighting, seating, and diverse plantings to create an inviting year-round space while maintaining the park's historic character.
• Transform 11 - 11 ½ Riverside Drive into a Commercial Fitness Hub ($807,000): Transform the partially vacant building at 11 and 11 ½ Riverside Drive into a commercial fitness center and studio space to provide health and wellness opportunities to the community and boost downtown business activity.
• Upgrade the TAUNY Center to Offer Improved Art and Cultural Experiences ($100,000): Upgrade the TAUNY Center with renovations to the building's facade and interior to improve accessibility and functionality.

Other NY Forward winners in the North Country region include Cape Vincent, Lyons Falls, Waddington, Alexandria Bay, Gouverneur, and Keeseville.

North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs James McKenna and Dr. Kathryn Morris said, "Nature's Storehouse has been a beloved fixture in St. Lawrence County for generations, and this expansion ensures it will remain a destination for years to come. By doubling its Main Street footprint and deepening partnerships with regional farmers and makers, this project directly supports our regional strategy to foster sustainable local entrepreneurship and elevate the quality of life in North Country village centers."

Assemblymember Scott Gray said, "Nature's Storehouse has been part of downtown Canton since 1972, and Clark and Yen Maine have built upon that legacy. When they bought the store, they could have simply kept it running as it was. Instead, they invested in a larger space, a new café, renovated apartments upstairs, and strengthened ties with North Country farmers and producers. As someone who spent 43 years running a family business, I understand what it takes to make that kind of commitment to a community. I want to thank Clark and Yen for their belief in Canton and congratulate them and their entire team on this opening."

Village of Canton Mayor Michael Dalton said, "Nature's Storehouse has been an important business in the Village of Canton for many, many years. The new owners have continued services at a level that so many of us need and depend on. We are excited for them as they grow and expand in our community."

St. Lawrence County Legislator Anthony R. Levato said, "Canton's Main Street continues to grow thanks to investments from our local business owners. Clark and Yen Maine have worked hard to bring their cafe project to fruition. In the few months that it has been open, Nature's Cafe has been embraced by the community and serves as another local gathering place while also bringing economic growth to our downtown. Congratulations to Clark and Yen Maine, and the whole team at Nature's Storehouse and Cafe on their success."

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Community and Membership Relations Manager Tom Graser said, "Nature's Storehouse growing into Nature's Café shows the true dedication and faith in downtown Canton that is essential for our growth. Clark and Yen Maine have built something truly special here, and the Chamber is proud to congratulate them on this wonderful achievement."

About Nature's Storehouse
Nature's Storehouse is a full-service health food store located in the vibrant college town of Canton. Founded in 1972 and independently owned and managed, the business and its ownership have remained committed to providing the local community with natural, organic, and local goods for more than 50 years. Located in an historic brick building on Main Street, Nature's Storehouse is home to wellness practitioners and a retail space selling local produce, dairy, bulk foods, spices and herbs, grocery, supplements, body products, gifts, and house-made take-out. The 2016 recipient of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Excellence Award, Nature's Storehouse is a mainstay of healthy living in New York's North Country. Learn more at natures-storehouse.com.

About the NY Forward Program
First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State's revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.

NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects.

NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through four rounds, the NY Forward program will have awarded a total of $400 million to 77 communities across every region of the State. The Governor has proposed another $100 million for the program in her 2026-2027 Executive Budget.

About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

Contact:
Yen Maine (Nature's Storehouse) | [email protected] | (315) 386-3740 | (619) 254-6051
Laura Magee (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313
Hayley Alaxanian (DOS) | [email protected] | (518) 530-9922