Grand opening declares store a success

PORT GAMBLE — Filled with balloons, friends and happy chatter, the Port Gamble General Store was hardly different from any other day, except for the fact that those gathered at the historical site were celebrating the official grand opening of the business. During the past eight months, owner Ethel Molina and her family have been building the site up to a combined community gathering space, grocery store and friendly shop around the corner.

Friday night’s party celebrated her success and that of the town Port Gamble has become in the last five years. When the mill shut down in 1995, the historical community fell into disrepair until Olympic Property Group began to renovate the buildings and carefully insert businesses to help it prosper. Molina, who used to run a sausage booth during Port Gamble’s Sunday market, fit right in to the town’s way of life.

“What I think I love most about Ethel and her family is the smiles,” said OPG President Jon Rose. “She never stops smiling. Port Gamble needs people like that, and they’ve done a great job. Plus, when you get Ethel, you don’t just get Ethel, you get her whole family.”

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Molina’s husband, Eduardo, spends weekdays at his own job at the Department of Licensing in Poulsbo, then joins in at the general store lending a hand. The employees, many of whom are still in high school, seem like an extension of Molina’s family. The store, which underwent remodeling before Molina reopened it in April, now boasts its original hardwood floors from 1853 and a new seating area.

“I’m doing great, these guests are what I expected,” she said. “The community is really responding to the store… This is like a dream come true. People talk about the American dream, but I’m living the American dream right now, and I’m loving it. I’m so thankful.”

In addition to the food, drink and merriment, there were several business owners in attendance who sell their products at the store, including Hood Canal Brewery owner Don Wyatt. He has created a special beer just for Port Gamble called the Port Gamble Loggers Brew, and was handing out free samples during the evening.

“I was lucky enough to get invited,” he said. “A lot of tourists and people come in here and it blends well with the local beer and name of the brewery. When I have time, it’s nice to walk around here.”

In addition to local vendors, Molina and OPG are also working on a Port Gamble label, which already graces some items in the store. Rose and Port Gamble Manager Shana Smith both said Molina is the first to jump in to a new idea, and always tries to see it through. One of the exciting parts of remaking the store is creating new wares and foods that fit with the historical status of the town, Smith said.

“I think she’s embraced the bigger concept of doing the store because of her retail experience,” she said. “The whole transformation has gone from catering and a space from us for Sunday market to this. I think it’s been an incredible growth for her and the town.”

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