After nearly 30 years, Ed's Market is changing hands, but the new owners promise the transition won't affect the neighborly atmosphere and friendly touch the corner store is recognized for, according to owner Lisa Barner.
That's what Barner said Wednesday at the store at 1200 Franklin St.
Former owners Peachie and Tom O'Connor, who ran the store for 29 years, are notifying the community about the change and their appreciation of customers' loyalty in a half-page advertisement running in today's newspaper.
"Ed's Market will continue to sell delicious and remarkable food at a fair price, using only quality ingredients," said Barner, who worked at the market for a year. Her apprenticeship with Peachie and a part-time staff of 14 employees only fortified her desire to continue with the store's neighborhood service tradition.
"Our goal isn't to change a thing," Barner said. "Customers can expect the same prompt, professional courteous and friendly service. ... Whoever comes through the door should leave impressed and want to return."
Barner acknowledged she hasn't operated a food or convenience market. Her resume includes managing an attorney's office, but Peachie said she is confident in her choice.
"I was approached by Lisa a few years ago," O'Connor said. "She was interested in buying the business."
Barner learned by doing, joining the staff and observing what made the corner market tick.
"I wouldn't have turned over a business I love to just anyone," Peachie said. "I am very comfortable leaving the business in Lisa's hands, and with the assistance of the capable Ed's Market staff I believe nothing will change."
O'Connor admitted many of her customers became aware of the change.
"A few have expressed surprise," O'Connor said. "A few had mixed feelings, but, overall, most are pleased that Ed's Market will continue with the Barners."
For city resident Ed Roesgen, who creates sandwiches there using New Lycoming Bakery products and other ingredients, sharing the secret to success came easy. "I believe it's the care and attention to detail and pride we all have," he said. It's also fast, friendly and dependable service, Roesgen said.
On any given day, customers can see Dee Esposito, of Trout Run, working the cash register and ensuring the shelves of cookies, which are baked on the premises, are filled. The hustle and bustle is what keeps her motivated. "They call this my apartment," Esposito said with a chuckle.
According to a timeline detailing store history kept by O'Connor, Ed's Market took its name from former owner Edward A. Mues, who ran the store from 1976 through 1983.
The business goes back to 1931, when it was a site for a Grand Union Stores Inc. retailer. Grand Union Stores operated in another location on West Fourth and Poplar streets in Newberry. The company also had individuals who took orders and delivered items at private homes. It was under Grand Union ownership until 1937.
In 1938, the store became known as Premier Market, with proprietor Robert L. Nicklaus, who ran it through 1941. Harry Thomas was the next proprietor, followed by Sammy Ray, a band leader and musician, who took over in 1961. "Ray once said, 'It's the store with miles of smiles and a little store that has everything,' " O'Connor said.
The store was turned over to Richard Sanders in 1974, who ran a Time Market, before Mues became the proprietor in 1976.
Besides coordinating with staff, Peachie is a registered nurse by trade and her husband is city treasurer and a former city councilman.
When asked what she will do now in her spare time, Peachie, pursed her lips and shook her head. "I don't like the word retirement," she said. "I prefer to say I will continue with some work in the health care field."
As she spoke, she was assisting the staff that was busily preparing sandwiches for dozens of people at an event.
It's never not been busy for lunch, dinner hour and for full-time catering, she said, quickly becoming sentimental. "You know I love this place, and the people and the customers," she said. "But I also love my husband of 42 years, who is my best friend.
She credited his role in the market's continued success. "Without Tom," she said, growing sentimental for a second before regaining her composure " ... We're a team and I wouldn't be here without him and his behind-the-scene involvement and talents."
