Enter the Cayucos Supermarket these days and customers will note major changes from the way it was just one year ago.
For starters, they’ll find more product on the shelves, clean floors, and the place looks and smells nice.
That’s because new owners have taken over and, as co-owner and storekeeper Yamen “Allen” Tanous points out, this is only the beginning of major changes to come, such as new cooling units for meat and other products, a newly re-vamped produce section with fare from local farmers, and a deli with healthy options.
“Things have been good for us so far,” says Tanous, “the only thing we’re waiting for to make real change is approval from the planning department.” He’s waited 11 months so far but Tanous expects approval to come from the county any day and then, he says, “We can start to make this the best market we can with good prices and healthy choices.”
New storekeeper Yamen “Allen” Tanous looks forward to creating a better grocery shopping experience for Cayucos shoppers.
While Tanous claims there’s little that has really changed, at least not yet, not until he can begin work on improvements with the planning department’s blessing, longtime customers will note right away the floors are clean and dry, the old familiar foul odors are gone, and the shelves are sparkly and full.
“From day one,” he says, “I started cleaning, cleaning, cleaning–and I’m still cleaning–and I work very hard to make this a good place, sometimes working late into the morning, but I’m very happy. This is what I like to do.”
When the remodel is completed, he says, “the store will be 100 percent different. I want everything to be clean and fresh with really good, healthy food on the shelves.”
Already, customers can find organic selections that were not previously available as well as more food choices from local producers, including fresh baked bread from Pagnol in Baywood Park, and farm fresh eggs, as well as a wide selection of local beer and wine, even greeting cards and clothing.
It’s taken some time to get things rolling; the first challenge was to get a reliable supplier with enough selection of healthy options. That took a few months but Tanous hooked up with Unified Foods.
Tanous says he and his family love to cook and eat nutritious food so he understands the importance of providing healthy choices to the local community. Having a local market is more than just a convenience for residents and tourists visiting Cayucos, he says. During the coronavirus pandemic, for example, he’s done his best to make sure customers can find everything they need right here at home.
Additionally, he makes a point to deliver groceries to residents who are unable to get to the market. “I make a local delivery to older folks” who can’t get around, he says. “You help me, and I help you. We help a lot of people.”
