Paige one: Community is market’s bread and butter

Paige Richmond

Paige one

There’s more than just sandwiches and espresso sold at the Rosedale Market: The community’s history is a big part of the small business’ success.

Even as the market continues to expand — a new deli counter with build-your-own sandwich service opened just last month — owner Shelley West is focused on maintaining the store’s heritage.

And it’s something she thinks is important, since there aren’t many businesses like Rosedale Market around anymore.

“Older stores are a dying breed,” she said.

Rosedale Market has gone through a number of changes over the years, both in terms of service and ownership. West remembers the first owner as Mrs. Eide, who ran the shop and gas station with her husband. (There’s still a sign behind the market’s front counter that reads “Mrs. Eide’s.”)

It was then owned by Julius Templeton — and aptly known as “Templeton’s” — until West bought the store three years ago with Ken and Carol Van Winkle.

When the Templeton’s storefront, which includes a self-serve gas station, was first put up for sale, West remembers hearing rumors that the store might be sold to out-of-towners or possibly shut down.

“That was the buzz,” she said. “What was going to happen if someone local doesn’t do something?”

So West decided she was the one who was going to do something. Only thing was, she’d never run a small business before — her previous career had been raising two sons and working as an academic adviser at Chapman University — but she was willing to try.

Owning Rosedale Market has been a learning process for West; she knows plenty now about keeping late hours, balancing the books and how to run a gas station.

The most important lessons, though, have been about the Rosedale neighborhood. She’s noticed her customers are focused on preserving Gig Harbor’s history — something neither she nor her business partners fully realized when they opened the store.

“None of us had any idea how important this place was to the community,” West said.

But since she realizes the importance now, she’s made sure not to change too much about Rosedale Market, which is still housed in the same building. West even kept the building’s original cabinets in the deli area. The new dining area is located in the same place as Mrs. Eide’s home kitchen.

And although the store never had an espresso counter or a deli before West took over, those changes are one way to provide much-needed services to her customers.

The Rosedale neighborhood isn’t near many other grocery stores or convenience stores in Gig Harbor, so that market is the easiest way to pick up food and drinks. West said customers regularly come in and comment on how the store “has everything” they need.

It’s no surprise that customers like spending time at the Rosedale Market. It’s inexpensive: I built my own sandwich for $3.99. It serves local produce: There are vegetables grown at Gig Harbor farms sold at the espresso bar. And it’s relaxing: There’s even a licensed massage therapist who offers chair massages on Tuesday and Fridays after 2 p.m.

Most importantly, West has created a welcoming atmosphere in her business.

She knows her regular customers by name, as well as their regular espresso drinks. She and her employees always greet customers when they walk in the door, smile at them and thank them for stopping by.

That’s how Rosedale Market will go down in Gig Harbor history: As place where community comes first.

Rosedale Market

Rosedale Market, previously known as Mrs. Eide’s and as Templeton’s, is located at 8111 86th Ave. NW in Gig Harbor. Call 253-851-3124 for more information.