Family Has Launched Business That Provides Customers With Variety Of Specialty Olive Oils
By Joel N. Sussman, Saratoga Business Journal

A popular misconception about food is that if it tastes good, it can’t possible be good for you. The owners of the Saratoga Olive Oil Company, a new store now opened at 484 Broadway in Saratoga, are doing their part to dispel that myth.

ARCC Chamber Members Clint and Barbara Braidwood, former consultants to the pharmaceutical industry, have launched a new business in Saratoga that offers an exclusive line of flavored olive oil products that supports a healthy lifestyle. In addition to having a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels, Barbara pointed out that olive oil tends to keep inflammation down, which can reduce the risk of cancer. The fact that it’s known to be a healthful product was one of the reasons the couple was drawn to the business idea. Clint noted that olive oil contains high levels of polyphenols, which help get rid of ‘free radicals’ in the body. Although it might not occur to most people to drink it ‘straight,’ Barbara said that studies have documented the health benefits of consuming two tablespoons of olive oil every day.

The idea for the store began taking root when the couple would travel to different parts of Europe and return, each time, with bottles of olive oil from France, Italy, and Portugal. According to Clint, the quality of olive oil in the U.S. was noticeably inferior to that of Europe — with the exception of one store they discovered in Rockland, Maine. At Fiore Artisan Olive Oils, they got to sample a variety of high-quality olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and fresh baked bread — a concept that captured their attention and their interest. They fell in love with the store and agreed that the Saratoga/Capital Region would be a great location to open up their own store. After returning home, they confirmed their belief that nothing comparable existed in the area.  “That’s what got the wheels spinning,” recalls Barbara, “and we decided that this would be a good spot to take that on and open up a store.”

In addition to over 60 flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegars, which will include a Tuscan herb olive oil and garlic olive oil, the Braidwoods also plan on carrying some higher-end seed oils, such as avocado oil and truffle oil. Infused olive oil, which is made by adding fruit into the production process, will be one of the distinctive features of the store.  “So not only are the olives being crushed,” explained Clint, “but they’re adding oranges and lemons into it, so you’re getting the actual citrus crushed into the olive oil. This type of olive oil, you can’t get in the grocery store.”

Other items for sale at the store will include bath and body products (olive oil based), pottery, gift baskets, shirts, Adirondack Lakewood furniture crafted by Michael Falk, and original paintings by Tom Myott, an artist from South Glens Falls whose themes include horse racing and the Saratoga Race Course.

When customers walk into the 1,600-square-foot store, they’ll be able to pour samples of olive oil or balsamic vinegars directly from stainless steel dispensers, called “fustis,” into plastic sampling cups. Fresh pieces of bread will be available for dipping.  “Probably what I’m most excited about,” Clint said, “is this concept of ‘taste before you buy.’” To add to the excitement of starting a new business, Clint and Barbara also became first-time parents on March 22, welcoming their new daughter, Sophia, into the world just weeks before the anticipated opening of their store. Clint said it’s almost like becoming a parent twice.  He said the store represents a large investment, but they’re optimistic that the product, the idea, and the location will all work together to make the store a success. “Sure, we’re putting a lot of our heart and soul and resources into it, but it’s something we’re passionate about,” he said. Owning and operating a retail business will be a new challenge for the couple, but Barbara says their experience as clinical researchers should be an asset.

“Neither one of us has had experience with it (retailing), so it’s been kind of a trial by fire,” she said.  However, their background as clinical trial monitors in the pharmaceutical industry has given them insights into product testing and quality control standards.
“There’s a lot of chemistry involved with olive oil, so that’s where our research background has really come in handy with getting this business off the ground,” she added.

Clint’s brother, Chad, who’s also a partner in the business, will be playing a key role in running the store. While there are no immediate plans to hire employees, Clint says that by August they may need to hire help. The Saratoga Olive Oil Company has a website that’s in development, which they hope will be online shortly after the store’s opening. Customers will be able to purchase products directly through the website. The URL is www.saratogaoliveoil.com. Other product distribution ideas they’re considering include making wedding favors and setting up a stand at local farmers’ markets, possibly in Ballston Spa and Glens Falls.