Dateline: July 22, 2025

Updated: December 15, 2025

Winter Business Hours.   See below .

The Sign Out Front

You can tell this new business is a family operation. When asked how he came up with the business name, owner Dave Desharnais said it was a contraction of his daughter's name and his son's name.

Dave and Judith Desharnais are the hard working owners of this latest business in Allenstown. They have spent weeks renovating and remodeling the former Pizza Market space behind the Allenstown Laundromat and across from Sully's Market. They opened for business on Sunday July 20th with a limited menu of take out items as they get everyone up to speed with store operations. A full menu is in process.

Mr. Desharnais explained that "We are bringing back what used to be, things you grew up with but bigger and better."

In October, new digital menu monitors were installed. You can now see all the food options before you place your order.

New Digital Menu Monitors Above the Candy Racks

Why Choose Allenstown?

Dave and Judith had been looking for a retail space in which to set up a new business. Dave has been acquiring and refurbishing restaurant equipment but he has always wanted to open a deli & takeout shop. They decided that the former Pizza Market space was a great location with a high traffic count.

Dave was reluctant to pose for a photo but co-owner Judith Descharnais and Store Manager Larissa Tenters were willing. When asked if "Larissa" was of Italian origin, she commented that it was actually the name of an ancient city in the Thessaly region of Greece.

Larissa and Judith preparing another pizza (Molto bene!)

The interior features a wall of candy and snacks along the right wall that should delight every age and every palate. Opposite that are the serving counters, cooking appliances, and food coolers.

The length of one whole wall of the interior is filled to capacity with scores of different kinds of candy and snacks.

The Great Wall of Candy and Snacks

More Racks of Candy and Snacks

To the left as you enter is a menu board with all the types of ice cream to delight the palate.

The Ice Cream Menu

Along the left side are the serving counters, ovens, and grills for preparing the take out entrees.

The Deli and Take Out Counters

But the visual "pièce de resistance" is the nine-foot tall Gumball Machine at the very back of the store. Dave said he likes to collect things like that. The Gumball Machine and other fixtures were acquired on a trip to Long Island, New York.

Nine-Foot Tall Gumball Machine

Primary Goods and Services

MARI-VIN'S offers a wide variety of take out foods, snacks, and refreshments including:

• Deli take out foods like:
• Hot and Cold Subs: bulkie roll, 6-inch, 12-inch, or 22-inch
• Sandwich Wraps
• Pizza: 10-inch, 14-inch, or 18-inch
• Pizza Rolls
• Grab & Go or Specialty Hot Dogs
• French Fries
• Mozzarella Sticks
• Fried Ravioli
• Fresh Popped Popcorn
• Fried Pickles!!!
• Candy and Snacks
• Ice Cream
• Ice Cold Drinks

A MARI-VIN's Pizza. Mangiamo!

When he elaborated on the take out foods on their menu, he mentioned that they prepare pizzas in a 10-inch, 14-inch, and 18-inch size. He proudly said "We are bringing back the 18-inch pizza."

When asked what are pizza rolls, he said "They are like egg rolls only they are made from pizza – very tasty."

Hot and cold subs can be on a bulkie roll, or six- or 12-inch sub roll. The most impressive take out entreé is the 22-inch Sub Sandwich which the owner exclaimed "we cut into a six-slice colossal." Talk about big! At other sub shops, the foot long sub is considered big. You also order

Specialty Hot Dogs

You can also get "Grab and Go" Hot Dogs or order one of their Specialty Hot Dogs including the Texas Tommy, Rodeo Dog, Chili Cheese Dog, and Pico Dog. Other Specialty Hot Dogs may be added in the future.

The Texas Tommy Specialty Hot Dog – Molto Bene!

After ordering the Texas Tommy Hot Dog and a soda, this customer went out and sat on the bench outside the store to enjoy it. The immediate reaction was that this was absolutely the best tasting hot dog. Contributing to the enjoyment was the medley of ingredients: Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeño Cheese Sauce, Two Slices Of Bacon, and Bacon Bits, embedded in a Toasted Sub Roll.

Rodeo Dog – Grilled Hot Dog, Buttered Bun, Swiss Cheese, Bacon Bits, BBQ Sauce, Onion Rings, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Toasted.

Chili Cheese Dog – Grilled Hot Dog, Buttered Bun, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeño Nacho Cheese, Chili, Bacon Bits, Chopped Onins, Toasted.

Pico Dog – Grilled Hot Dog, Buttered Bun, Monterey Jack Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, Pico De Galo, Toasted.

Ordering Via Online Menu

Online ordering is now available via clover.com. Select a food category and then pick a food item, size, and toppings.
Online Ordering

In the next few months, Mr. Desharnais hopes to hire home delivery drivers to work directly for the shop. So don't call now for home delivery. It will be announced when available.

He wants to avoid using the existing delivery services which often charge the business a percentage of the sale or charge the customer directly for their own delivery fee. He want to keep costs for the customers as minimal as possible.

Business Details

MARI-VIN'S Store Front

When asked about the old awning, Dave said the building owner is planning to renovate the building exterior in September and he hopes to get a new sign for the store front.

Address: 43 Allenstown Rd. Suite 2 (behind Laundromat)

Winter Business Hours: Thursday to Saturday 11:00-8:00, Sunday to Wednesday - closed

Phone: 603-210-1106

Facebook site: MARI-VIN'S online

What You Can Do

Stop in and check out the store. Order something to take home.

Photos © 2025 by Michael Frascinella