The new owners of the 12th Avenue Grocery & Market are in the midst of remodeling the long-established Seaside business and adding some new features.
Angela Johnson and her husband, Les, purchased the convenience store in September and have been slowly upgrading the 50-plus year-old store and its product line.
By the end of March, the couple hopes to add a deli bar with a variety of fresh sandwiches made on the premises.
"Nothing will be pre-packaged," Angela promised.
She said she and her husband are working to turn their business into a quick, convenient market, "where you can grab your lunch or snack and be on your way."
In addition to items you normally would find in a convenience store, 12th Avenue Grocery & Market sells fishing gear and licenses, appropriate considering the store is just steps away from the Necanicum River.
Johnson is a Seaside native who returned home after service in the U.S. Navy. She has worked with the U.S. Postal Service and spent the past nine years raising her family in California. She said she has been pleased with the support of the community since the couple purchased the business.
She attributes that to the "great customer service we give."
"It’s important to me that we always have a smile on our face," she said. "It doesn’t do any harm to give someone a smile."
The 12th Avenue Grocery & Market is located at 600 – 12th Ave. in Seaside. Hours are Sunday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The telephone number is (503) 738-5731.