American Delicatessen Thrives in Cotswolds as Wealthy US Expats Seek Nostalgic Goods
An upmarket delicatessen in the picturesque Cotswolds is experiencing remarkable success by catering specifically to the growing community of wealthy American expats who have relocated to the area. D'Ambrosi Fine Foods, operated by 44-year-old Jesse D'Ambrosi in Stow-on-the-Wold, has become a vital resource for those seeking a taste of home.
Targeting the American Market
Jesse D'Ambrosi, who was raised in the Boston suburbs, moved to Stow-on-the-Wold in 2019 with the explicit intention of launching her business. She recognized a significant gap in the market for American products as more high-net-worth individuals from the United States began settling in the Cotswolds, often referred to as 'The Hamptons of England'.
The shop stocks a diverse array of nostalgic American items, including:
- Hershey's chocolate bars
- Goldfish crackers
- American pickles
- A1 Steak Sauce
- Welch's grape jelly
Jesse explained that these products evoke strong feelings of nostalgia for customers who have lived abroad or previously resided in the States. "I'm sticking with the traditional super nostalgic recognisable products that we all grew up with," she said.
Catering to a Discreet Clientele
The delicatessen has attracted not only American residents but also famous faces from across the Atlantic. While Jesse maintains discretion about her celebrity clientele, notable figures such as former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi have permanently relocated to the area. There has even been speculation that pop icon Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z are searching for property in the region.
Jesse attributes this influx to the Cotswolds' appeal as a place where wealthy individuals can live "very discreetly here." She elaborated, "Even though it's a place where people have fancy cars and big properties they can still do it behind closed gates. If you want to have anonymity here you can. People aren't gonna bother you."
Beyond American Nostalgia
While American products form a core part of the business, D'Ambrosi Fine Foods offers much more. The establishment provides:
- Food-to-go and catering services
- A curated selection of wines and spirits
- Homemade candles and floristry
- American-style fare including lobster rolls, barbecue ribs, and Southern fried chicken
- Internationally inspired options like Roman-style pork belly
- Fresh seafood and vegetarian choices
Jesse emphasized that her approach differs significantly from traditional British food shops. "I'm American, this is not a British shop," she stated. "But I have products from France, Spain and Italy and then I have what I call it the American crap - not the most glamorous but fun. It's an American business and the approach to food is very different."
Community Integration and Business Philosophy
Despite flying an American flag above her shop, Jesse reports no negative reactions from the local community. "I feel very much part of this community," she said, describing life in the countryside as "a very peaceful place."
Interestingly, Jesse has deliberately avoided joining expat groups, focusing instead on building organic connections. "I'm definitely not part of an expat group. I've just gone so far out of my way to never be a part of an expat group," she explained. As a single mother who works six days a week, she has carved out a unique niche in the Cotswolds market.
Her clientele includes both permanent residents and those who maintain second homes in the area. "Quite a few of my clients live in London and have a second house here that they visit over the weekends to entertain friends and have some quiet time and a country escape," she noted.
Personal Journey and Future Outlook
Jesse currently resides on a farm in a converted barn with her eight-year-old daughter Rose, who attends a local state school. "The education is to a very high standard," she remarked, adding that her daughter has developed a British accent since their move when Rose was three years old.
The business founder believes political factors may be contributing to the American exodus. "There will be a number of people that are politically motivated to leave the States certainly," she observed. "Things are not peaceful there at the moment and it seems to be getting worse."
With her shop successfully serving what she describes as "the one per cent" of the Cotswolds, Jesse remains committed to providing high-quality food in a convenient manner while maintaining her unique American perspective in the heart of the English countryside.
