About us
Our Story: How a Love of Cooking Became The Little Shop of Olive Oils
The idea for The Little Shop of Olive Oils started with a family trip to Kennebunkport, Maine. While wandering through town, we discovered a small olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting shop. We tasted fresh extra virgin olive oils, rich aged balsamic vinegars, and realized how incredible real olive oil could be.
At the time, Mike and I had spent many years working in large corporations. Like many people, we were starting to think about doing something different—something more meaningful and connected to people. That little shop sparked an idea, and before long we decided to take a leap of faith… or as we like to say, we went “off the cliff” together 😊.
While we were searching for inspiration, I kept thinking about my childhood and my Dad’s love of cooking.
My Dad made the most incredible meals for our family. When I was growing up, my Mom had an illness that slowly made it harder for her to cook the way she once had. As that happened, my Dad gradually took on more of the responsibility in the kitchen. They still worked side by side—Mom guiding and sharing her knowledge, and Dad experimenting and discovering flavors he loved. Before long, cooking became his passion.
Cooking became more than just making dinner. It gave my parents time together. It helped my Dad unwind after long days of work while helping care for Mom and raising three kids. Most importantly, it brought our family together around the table every night for a home-cooked meal.
I never realized until later how amazing he was…I always took him for granted.
My Dad passed away a few years ago, but he is always with us. One of his favorite sayings while driving was, “All right on the right.” It was his way of letting us know everything was safe and taken care of.
When we created our brand, we wanted to carry that spirit forward. If you look closely at our logo, you’ll see a hidden “OK” inside the olive—a small tribute to him and the comfort of knowing everything will be alright.
Opening a specialty olive oil and balsamic vinegar shop felt like the perfect way to honor him. Our store is filled with wonderful flavors to taste and discover—from premium extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars to spices, specialty foods, and curated gourmet gifts.
Since the beginning, it has truly been a family business. Mike built much of what you see in the store. Our three sons—Mike, Matt, and Sean—have helped along the way, along with my sister Peggy, my brother John, and so many others who have supported us.
Today, The Little Shop of Olive Oils in Franklin, Massachusetts is more than a store. It’s a place where people come to taste, learn, cook, and discover new flavors. It’s a place where food brings people together—just like it did in our home growing up.
And in our little shop, everything is OK.
~ Mike & Tracey