New Business: Wild Acorns Brings Healthy Snacks to Orange

While Black Friday shoppers were hitting up Orange's deals last week, Wild Acorns was throwing its doors open. Owner Stephen Clarke says the natural and health-focused snack store worked long, hard hours to meet the deadline.

"That's a weekend you don't want to miss," he says.

Wild Acorns' space at 516 Boston Post Road is conveniently close to Supplement City, and Clarke says he hopes some health-focused coustomers will discover his wares: flavored vinegars and oils, seasoned salts, and -- he says -- over 100 varieties of dried fruits and nuts. The store also roasts many of their own flavored nuts on premises, according to an announcement from business partner and store manager Stephanie Blackwell.

"Now it’s possible to treat your family and friends to exotic combinations of flavored oils that add zest to your meal and brings herbs and spices to your meal," Blackwell said in the announcement. "No need to spend time with all the guesswork in seasoning…it is done for you. Whether you are making pork and beans or a veggie side dish, Wild Acorns offers a variety of spices, oils, nuts and seasoned salts to give that extra gourmet exotic flavor to your meal."

Clarke and Wild Acorns came to Orange from a background of small business ownership. A former actor and teacher, he says he's "never been one to think of a career as a lifelong thing." His previous businesses include a canoe shop in West Cornwall and a coffee shop in Lakeville.

"Some of things I bring to this store are things I've had a little experience with in the past," he says.

And how has business been so far?

"So far, so very positive," says Clarke. Most people don't know he's here yet. "But the people who come in, the feeling is fabulous. We've already had a lot of people come in a second time. They've left with a lot of, 'Thank goodness you're finally open.'"

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