Holliston’s Fiske’s General Store is still growing after 160 years in business.

Holliston – Since 1863, when you drive through Holliston, you can stop at the Fiske General Store.

Times have changed but hospitality has not.

“I tell you, I’m very grateful to all the people who continue to come here,” said John Paltrineri of Fiske’s General Store.

For the past 50-plus years, Paltrineri and his wife, Carol, have owned and operated a general store that has meant a lot to the surrounding community.

“Not only Holliston, but all the surrounding towns, and it’s really fun. I mean, we’re a fun store.” John said.

Their business model is very simple. They put a smile on the customer’s face and remember that every little thing counts

“We have balloons and if it’s your first visit you always get a free balloon,” John said. “If you come in around your birthday, let us know. You’ll get a birthday balloon. We’ll put birthday signs on the front door.”

The store has everything from puzzles to hats to jewelry to clothing. But it also has something else – a personal touch.

“It’s not easy to know people by name because I’ve met a lot of people, but I always remember faces. I’m very good at it,” said John.

They promote a loyalty program for repeat customers. This is also where John met the love of his life.

In the year “I was working on a Sunday afternoon in April 1973 and this young woman came in and beat me up and that’s when I met my wife, Carol, who has been working with me for 37 years now,” John said.