Owners of small, Mass.-based market chain acquire Dino’s Park ‘N Shop

GLOCESTER – As of Tuesday, July 23 Dino’s Park N Shop, located at 1020 Putnam Pike in Chepachet, will be under new ownership: the Patel brothers who own four Donelan’s Supermarkets in Massachusetts.

Matthew Dee, operations manager for Donelan’s, went before the Glocester Town Council last week to obtain a victual license.

“It is just the right store at the right time,” Dee told NRI NOW.

Dee said the group had been looking at Dino’s for the last three years as a possible addition. The markets they already own, he said, are similar in size, with some being slightly bigger and some slightly smaller. They were attracted to Dino’s because of that size fit, and also because it was run well with good employees. The company has been on site for the last three months. While other small markets have declined, Dino’s has continued to thrive and grow.

“They do things in a good way here,” said Dee, who has been with the company for 17 years. “Kind of old school.”

Dee praised the handling of the store over the years by owner Steve Kopeski, including recently adding new coolers and other improvements. He also said Steve’s son, Doug Kopeski, has done an excellent job of handling the meat department, where quality meats are available to customers. He said he was also impressed by the food services available, which provide sandwiches and various dinner and lunch offerings, among other products.

Dee said the company intends to continue the practices Kopeski has established over the years, including car washes for local teams, discount senior Tuesdays, and other local fundraisers. Use of local vendors will continue also. Previously, Donelan’s was family-owned and operated, much like Dino’s was, and continues to operate in the same fashion.

“We’re quite familiar with sponsoring local fire departments, fireworks, police cars, baseball teams…things like that,” Dee said.

Local honey, coffee and Rhode Island-based products, such as Autocrat Coffee Syrup will continue to be on the shelves, said Dee.

“The store manager does a great job of reaching out to local vendors,” he said. “That’s something we’re excited about. Items such as Autocrat Coffee Syrup is something very interesting that we don’t find in other areas.”

Dee, who lives in Massachusetts, said he has been intentionally coming into town from different routes to check out the area and the competition.

“It’s a great location,” he added.

“Welcome to town,” said Town Council Vice President Stephen Arnold. “Dino’s has always been a big part of the community. We’re excited to hear your vision for carrying it forward.”

“We’re excited to be given the opportunity,” responded Dee.

He said he has been picking Kopeski’s brain for the last month and sorting out details to make the transition of ownership smooth. Keeping Doug Kopeski on as the manager will help ensure that, he added.

Moving forward, Dee explained that there will be changes, but nothing major. Some physical alterations are in store, including décor upgrades both inside and out. New LED lights will be installed throughout the store and new, more modern cash registers will be put in place. The Dino’s name will remain.

“There will be subtle changes,” he said.

Donelan’s Supermarkets were bought out by the Patel family in 2021. The family includes father and son Gohal and Mohanbhai Patel, who own or have an interest in a variety of convenience and food stores with various names in New England. When they bought out the Donelan’s markets, they invested in new equipment, new rotisserie ovens, meat wrappers, friers and self checkouts according to their website.