“It’s very doable,” says Ryan Craig, when asked whether he plans to open his Berkshire Country Store in January, as rumored. “I’d love to open even earlier than that if we can get all the pieces lined up.”

Craig’s tone is optimistic as he describes the road ahead: “Now that we’ve passed zoning, we need the blessing of the building inspector. We’re not doing a ton of demolition.” He mentions that his plans call for plumbing and electrical work, as well as some reflooring.

The financing for the build-out of the store, in the form of loans by private citizens, is in place. “We’re off to the races,” says Craig.