PEI·NewAn iconic Prince Edward Island general store known provincewide for its famous meat pies is changing hands after more than 80 years of business under one family. Clow’s Red and White in Hampshire sells a little bit of everything, and has been in the Clow family since the 1940s. Clow’s Red and White, known for its holiday meat pies, has new ownersBrittany Spencer · CBC News · Posted: Oct 28, 2025 3:00 PM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour agoListen to this articleEstimated 4 minutesNorman Clow, former owner of Clow’s Red and White in Hampshire, P.E.I., says the new owners will continue to make the store’s signature products — especially the meat pies. (Jane Robertson/CBC)An iconic general store in Prince Edward Island is changing hands after being run by the same family for more than 80 years. Clow’s Red and White in Hampshire sells a little bit of everything, but it’s loved especially for its meat pies, which have become a holiday tradition for many Islanders over the years.During the eight decades the store has been open, loyal customers have also come back for its homemade beef jerky and peameal bacon. The general store was run by the Clow family since the 1940s, and has now been sold to new owners. “It started back in 1942 with my grandfather’s uncle, Judd Clow. He built it,” said Norman Clow, who has been running the store since 2015. The store has been operated by many generations of Clows — including Norman’s grandparents and his parents — and their history is proudly displayed in old photographs and paintings that hang on the walls, showing how the store has grown over the years. The history of Clow’s Red and White is proudly displayed in old photographs and paintings hanging on its walls, including this painting depicting Norman Clow’s father in the 1970s. (Jane Robertson/CBC)“I’ve been here since I was a little boy,” Clow said. He started out helping his dad stock the store and eventually worked as the butcher. He and his dad gradually built the store up to what it is today.“It meant a lot to be able to serve the community. They’re a big part of my life and I hope they continue with these [new owners],” he said. “People are coming here especially for that. So that makes you feel pretty good.” ‘Mixed emotions, for sure’ Clow said customers shouldn’t expect any major changes under the new ownership. He said they plan to keep all the same staff who currently work there and will continue to make the general store’s signature products. “They’re going to continue with everything we do — meat pies, especially,” Clow said. “Our potted meat. Our beef jerky. The stuff that we do hands-on. That’s all going to continue.”One of the new owners, Dwijesh Patel, has already been working in the store for the past few months to learn everything he can about running the businesses. He said he plans to carry on the store’s legacy in the community and won’t be changing the products or services the store offers. New owners Krunal Patel, left, and Dwijesh Patel say they plan to keep all the same staff who currently work there and will continue making the general store’s signature products. (Jane Robertson/CBC)“We just keep the same quality for the same things,” he said, adding that the Red and White’s customers have been very friendly and made him feel welcome.“Every community member here are connected to each other, so we’re going to try these things like we’re also connecting with people.” Co-owner Krunal Patel added: “It’s very important to us, it’s a big foot to fill in…. We’re going to try our best. We’ll work hard as well to bring this business to another level.”Clow said the only change customers should notice after his departure is a new face behind the counter. The Red and White general store has been run by many generations of the Clow family, beginning with Judd Clow in 1942. (Jane Robertson/CBC)“Mixed emotions, for sure. But I’m very confident in the two people who bought this business that they’ll continue it as we did.” When it comes to securing meat pies for the holiday season, Clow said it’s business as usual. Staff will start preparing for Christmas orders next month, and customers can submit their pie orders the same way they do every year. Clow will be staying on for the next few months to help the new owners get through their first Christmas season. Then he said he’s looking forward to taking some time off. To the customers he’s met over the years, he said he hopes this isn’t goodbye.“I’d like to thank each and every one of them,” he said. “I’ve met many people here from the community and they’re not just a name…. I became friends with a lot of people.” ABOUT THE AUTHORBrittany Spencer is a multi-platform reporter and producer with CBC Prince Edward Island. She’s covered politics, health care and the justice system. She’s a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s journalism program and joined CBC in 2017. You can reach her at brittany.spencer@cbc.caWith files from Gwyneth Egan
Iconic P.E.I. general store changing hands after more than 80 years
