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The El Portal Market looks shiny and new.
Employee, Anna Laird, greets customers as she stacks watermelons in a
bin outside. Once inside you find the new owner, Kirstie Kari working
hard at the computer logging in the latest shipment of produce.
Some thing's haven't changed. Hugh Carter, the former owner, is busy
working in the new Deli and Produce section. Hugh says, "I am just
working for the summer, helping out." He smiles and says, Lou, his wife
told him he had to get out of the house. There is an old fireplace from
the old restaurant that was located in the building years ago.
A Grand Opening on the evening of July 1st
was held for the locals to say 'Thank You', for their support. Kirstie
comments, "I wondered if it was ever going to happen. The locals
were very supportive and without them I don't know if I could have
done it." The old store burned down on April 21, 2008 a few weeks
after Kirstie took possession. She opened the new store on May 28,
2009. The people of El Portal get special privileges like a Coffee
Club and Personal Accounts. The market is open from 7AM until 9PM
everyday and has seven full-time employees.
The market is stocked with a little of
everything for locals and tourists. Organic produce and a good size
local wine section, most under $20 can be found. The Deli section
has fresh sandwiches and salads. The tables in front of the
fireplace make a nice place to enjoy your lunch. The clientele is
made up of residents and tourists. It is the only store between
Midpines and Yosemite Park on the drive along the Merced River
Canyon. The river is steps away across the road and the entrance
to Yosemite is a few miles up the highway.
The market was so busy, Kirstie found it hard
to find time to answer questions. The customers lined up at the two
checkout registers. The locals all expressed happiness at
having the store open again. Artist Susan Bolen was hanging some of
her paintings on the walls and is very pleased to have a place to
display and sell her art locally (www.stellargallery.com/artists/bolen/index.htm/) Another
local artist, Penny Otwell has one of her works of art already hung
up on the walls (http://www.pennyotwell.com/)
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It was sad to see the old store burn, but
everyone hopes that the new store will thrive and prosper.
Linda Gast |
