Somerset market ownership passed on to next generation

After more than 40 years of owning Roof Garden Market in Somerset, Brian S. Costea has decided to retire.

Now, he is passing the ownership onto the next generation.

Costea and his wife bought the store in May of 1979. Since then, lots of changes have been made.

One of the biggest changes is happening now, changing ownership over to his son, also named Brian.

"It feels good. My wife was a little hesitant on it. She would rather sell it to someone outside so she wouldn't worry so much. But I'm glad he's taking it over. I think he's a hard worker and I think he'll be good,” Brian S. Costea said.

His son is a bit nervous, but he says he's also excited to be taking over the market.

"We're going to keep everything pretty much the same, maybe add a few little things here and there, but keep everything the same. Customer service is our big thing. We still carry groceries out and cut custom meats. And we provide a lot of homemade goods and local goods,” Brian W. Costea said.

What kept the place going strong for four decades?

"Well, it's the customers that kept us going. We have good customers who keep coming in the restaurants and the local people who keep coming in who kept us going. You know, we call them by name. We still take groceries out the door, carry them out the door. And it's just the little things,” Brian S. Costea said.

The next market ownership change may be another 20 years away, but Brian W. Costea may already have someone in mind.

"I’m looking to make it at least 65, so another 20 years. See what happens after that. I don't have any children, but I do have five boys who are like ... grandchildren to my girlfriend. So I take care of them a good bit and help them out. So maybe one of them will want to take it over one day. Who knows? We'll see what happens,” Brian W. Costea said.

Brian W. Costea said he doesn't plan to change much about the market. And they will continue to focus on customer service, just like they always have.

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