Scott Marriner is the new owner of the only market and deli on Gwynn’s Island.

Marriner, who resides on Gwynn’s Island and near Bedford, Pennsylvania, said he doesn’t have any experience running a market but “God told me to” try a new adventure. It’s quite a change for Marriner, who took over ownership of the store, most recently known as Hills Bay Market and Deli, on Nov. 2, from owner/operators Sheila Taylor and Debora Nixon of Cobbs Creek.

Marriner has restored the business’s former name, Scrooch’s Market.

Although he is new to the grocery and deli business, Marriner said he has business experience, owning a dozen residential properties he rents and a laundromat near Bedford. He worked 35 years as a music teacher for public schools in Pennsylvania, handling the band and chorus.

Scrooch’s has expanded into a seven-day-a-week operation. Marriner said the store will be open year-round to serve the needs of full-time and seasonal Gwynn’s Island residents.

Next spring, Marriner plans to expand hours of operation to better accommodate the needs of the island’s seasonal residents. Also, he plans to expand the inventory, bringing in more meats, expanding the deli selections, and possibly having local musicians perform there occasionally. 

The deli’s signature item is a turkey, bacon and gouda cheese sandwich. The deli also sells an assortment of subs and other sandwiches. Marriner said he has added soup to the menu and also offers an assortment of salads.

The market sells an assortment of bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine. Also, it sells many types of groceries, including canned fruits, vegetables and soups, cleaning products, toiletry items, cigarettes, candy and hand-dipped ice cream. There’s also a selection of fishing supplies.

Pam Frost of Gwynn’s Island is the new manager at Scrooch’s Market.