Offshore Store, Frenchboro, Maine

To the people of the tiny fishing village of Frenchboro, Maine, and to hundreds of the tourists who visit there every summer, and to the countless fishermen who make their living on the surrounding waters of Blue Hill Bay...

...the Offshore Store and More has been a welcome addition.

Providing milk, bread, butter, and canned goods to neighbors may not seem like that big a deal.

But, it becomes one when you live in a remote island village, accessible to the mainland only by an 8 mile boat ride - across the chilly waters of the northern Atlantic - to Mount Desert Island.

And that is exactly why, in 2009, Tammy and Jay Desjardin opened their store.

The Offshore Store is now shipping fresh Maine lobster, caught by local Frenchboro fishermen. Orders are taken at 207-334-2943 between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (EST), and are shipped USPS Monday through Wednesday.

What's "More" at the Offshore

Just as important as the day-to-day convenience store items that Tammy and Jay provide, may be the "More" part of their store.

From the state-inspected, commercial kitchen...

Lobster rolls, crab rolls, loaded hamburgers and cheeseburgers, and steamed lobster with coleslaw or potato salad, are all on the expanding menu, as are a number of baked goods from the local Frenchboro Bakery, owned by a friend, Marissa Rozenski.

For local fishermen and visiting boaters...

...boat supplies, well-oil, and belts are on hand, as well as - when duty calls - 20 years of marine repair experience!

And, plenty of great Maine hospitality and camaraderie are ALWAYS on display.

Located at 88 Ocean View Road, Frenchboro Village, Outer Long Island Maine 04635, Phone: 207-334-2943, Channel: 80...

...the store is open 7 days a week, June through October. However, hours may vary when there is a need to go off island for supplies.

The Oprah Frenchboro Connection

It's not often when someone as prominent as Oprah Winfrey takes notices of such a tiny community, in such a remote area. But Oprah did - and in the spring of 2009 featured the people of Frenchboro, Maine on one of her shows.

Oprah's videos well depict life on Outer Long Island, and the plight of the several dozen people of Frenchboro. One video in particular features Tammy, talking about her community and the dreams she has of opening a grocery store, restaurant, and gathering place for neighbors and visitors.

On the Oprah website "Meet Tammy", as she talks about Frenchboro and the Offshore Store and More: www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090320-tows-frenchboro