Christine M. Bourget retired two years ago, after nearly four decades working for an international retailer, but found that early retirement was not for her.
She decided to return to retail, finding the perfect location for her new venture in Wickford village in North Kingstown.
In August, she opened The Captain’s Table at 31 West Main St., where she offers specialty foods and gifts from around the world. Her late husband inspired the store’s name, she said, as he was an avid boater who once built a large dining table.
The idea, Bourget said, is to offer “grab-and-go” items that can be taken on a boat, to a backyard barbecue or to a party as a hostess gift.
“I’ve tried really hard to be really unique,” Bourget said.
She sells black truffle cheddar cheese from England, sardines from Portugal and dessert truffles from Texas, as well as leather journals from Italy, sailor cookie jars from England and fair-trade linens from Guatemala.
Tastings are held on Saturdays, and Bourget plans to continue developing the takeaway food section.