By Jennifer Crain
Photo credit: Jennifer Crain.
Every time a new product arrives, Spud’s Produce Market manager Nate LaGasa says it’s like packing a small car for a big trip. There’s only so much room in the 3000-square-foot store, after all.
So Dave and Karissa Jekel, the store’s owners, decided to reconfigure the space to allow them to expand the number of products in the neighborhood store. On June 24, the store closed for a minor remodeling. Now they’ve reopened, sporting an expanded cooler and freezer space as well as a much anticipated bulk foods section.
Dave Jekel says the move to bulk foods stemmed from repeated customer requests, as is the case with most of their new products. The section contains 26 bins with staples as well as grab-and-go items. Customers will find flours, sugar, raisins, granola, popcorn, quinoa, oats, dried beans, legumes, rice, nuts and seeds. There are also treats for after-school trips to the store, such as yogurt pretzels, ginger chews, and malt balls.
Jekel says their bulk foods are sourced through United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), one of the standard suppliers for bulk items in natural foods stores. Most of the bulk selections are organic and a number of them are gluten free.
Trish Kelso-Wright, a mom and customer from the neighborhood says she shops at Spud’s about once a week and that the increased number of items will only encourage her to shop there more often.
“I specifically go there for produce,” she says, adding that she also buys honey and occasionally splurges on a pint of Talenti gelato. “I’ve been going toward the European habit of picking up fresh foods more frequently, and Spud’s helps me do that. They sell real food, and they’re great for special treats.”
Making simple items accessible to customers—from dinner staples to indulgences—is part of the Spud’s Produce Market success story. Ever since they opened in August 2012, the staff has been fielding requests for specific items. Notable additions from local artisans include Fina’s Southwestern Salsa, Cucina Ciancetta Marinara, Tunawerth Creamery’s yogurts and cheeses, and Peace, Love and Raw’s RawNaimo Bars.
Dave says he’s excited to be able to accommodate even more customer picks. Their expanded freezer section has ready-to-thaw pizza doughs for the first time as well as more frozen breads (including gluten-free selections). The meat selection will grow as they add chorizo and an array of handmade sausages. They will also be tempting customers with an expanded number of ice cream brands.
The cooler section will be a source for summer barbeques with more beers and juices. They will also add to the dairy section. Ready-to-bake pies from Lattin’s Cider Mill (offered seasonally) will be available for quick potluck and family reunion desserts.
“We have requests all the time,” Jekel says, “and remodeling is something we’ve wanted to do for awhile. I’m glad it’s coming together.”
Kelso-Wright, who owns her own small business as an occupational therapist and massage therapist, is glad the expansion will give her an extra excuse to stop in at what she terms an important neighborhood center and vital presence in the Olympia business community.
“Spud’s is manifesting an idea that’s happening all across the country. The idea of localizing and pulling together resources and other local businesses to create a community hub,” she says, noting that the presence of “our own community meeting space” is where she wants to shop.
Photo credit: Jennifer Crain.
Jekel says they’re humbled by the enthusiasm of their customers.
“In our wildest dreams we would not have foreseen the support we get,” he says. “We continue to listen to our customers and try to provide them with a fresh and consistent shopping experience every time. We believe that if you invest in your community and support it and become active in it good things will follow. I think we all win with what’s happening here.”
2828 Capitol Boulevard SE
360-915-9763
