By Larry Vogel

Less than three months after Petosa’s Family Grocer closed its doors, Edmonds will once again have a full-service grocery in the downtown core.

“We plan to open the new Edmonds IGA Market on May 15,” said owner Mike Trask. A gala grand opening event will be held in June.

No stranger to the grocery business, Trask has been at the helm of the Granite Falls IGA since 1999. More than a place to get bread and milk, the Granite Falls store serves as an unofficial town center, sponsoring everything from charitable fundraisers to special parking lot events for the community.

Earlier this year, Trask’s Granite Falls store received the IGA’s International Retailer of the Year award. While the IGA weighs a number of factors in determining who gets these awards, one of the biggest is the way the store takes care of their community.

“We plan to bring this same level of community involvement to Edmonds,” he said. “Look for us to be involved in the full range of Edmonds events and activities, and look for us to put on some of our own too.”

“Part of being a good neighbor and member of the community is recognizing and meeting the needs of the people who live here,”  Trask added. “I’m excited that many of our customers live in walking distance of the store, and we’ll respond by offering smaller packages so that it will be easy to get what you need an still be able to carry it home in a single bag.”

Plans for the Edmonds IGA Market include an expanded range of organic and natural products, a full-service deli, and wide array of “grab and go” foods. Store hours will be 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Deli manager Brent Kuester is excited to get going. In addition to the usual array of cold cuts, salads and cheeses, look for the deli to offer a range of hot and cold meal items, and fresh-baked French bread and rolls. “We’ll provide choices for customers looking for everything from a lunchtime sandwich to wholesome, affordable meals that they don’t have to cook,” he said.

The deli will also include a smoker in which Kuester will prepare some delicious smoked brisket, chicken and ribs. “Ideal for an impromptu picnic on the beach or a summer concert in the park,” he said.

Mayor Dave Earling is particularly pleased to welcome the Edmonds IGA Market to town. “This is a big deal for Edmonds,” he said. “This didn’t happen without a lot of hard work by a lot of folks; it’s a great reflection on the commitment of the property managers and owners.”

But no one is happier than Mike Trask. “I’m thrilled to be part of this great community,” he said. “My goal is simple. I want to make this your neighborhood store.”

Gary Rygg, Mike Trask’s business partner, said that hiring for the new store is almost complete. “We’ve hired most of our workforce from the Edmonds community, including some former Petosa’s employees” he said. “We still have a few part-time positions available, and look to fill these within the next few weeks.”