Hundreds Hoping For Work at Tiverton Tom's Market

People of all ages lined up outside the new Tom's Market in Tiverton Tuesday for the first day of a . The line stretched behind the next door.

The fair continues today at 492 Main Road from 4 to 6 p.m. Almost 350 people showed up Tuesday to apply for one of 40 positions expected to be filled. 

Reached late Tuesday, co-owner Glenn Place said they've already culled through the first round of applicants, will take the second round Wednesday and make phone calls by the weekend. New hires will begin training as soon as next week.

"We move fast and furious," he said, adding that he spoke with a lot of good people, a good mix of entry level and experienced applicants. "It's so incredible we could pull from such a large pool of potential employees."

Although, as noted by several adults, some have been out of work for a prolonged time during the economic recession.

Alison Coelho and Raymond Jean, both of Tiverton, waited inside in line behind an empty shelf waiting to be interviewed. Coelho said she worked at St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River for four years and has been unemployed for five months. She said she's looking for whatever she can get, like being a cashier or working line service.

"I need a job," said Jean, a former machine operator who said he'd like to work in the stock room. "I've been out of work for two years."

Standing outside for more than an hour in line, Sandra Connery, of Tiverton, said she is looking for something in food service and kitchen management. She said she's been out of work since June 2010 when her job was dissolved.

"We really miss having a grocery store," she said. The former Grand Central Market at 500 Main Road closed in 2006 after more than 40 years in business.

Read our previous coverage of Tom's Market: