Three Bears to reopens Big Lake grocery at noon, Friday

BIG LAKE — After a 10-day pull, a familiar face will reopen its doors to serve the community.

Now under the ownership of Three Bears Alaska, the Big Lake grocery store opens at noon, today.

The store’s manager and 25 employees were all retained and are at their posts today to welcome back shoppers. Longtime manager Jerry Hill said the layout is the same, which will make the transition easier for customers and stockers.

One new addition is an Outdoors Express section of the store, which formerly housed a selection of fresh flowers.

David Weisz, president of Three Bears, said the area is a scaled-down version of the camping, fishing and marine gear available at its three other Valley stores.

“We even have a have a bait cooler,” Weisz said.

Shoppers might also notice a new dairy cooler. Or that the meat case has a coat of fresh paint, applied in part by Anastasya Averyanova who has worked at the store for years as a cashier.

“I love it. I’m really excited Three Bears took over,” she said.

Averyanova said the people who work for Three Bears have all been wonderful.

“I’m excited to join the cool crew,” she said.

To get the store ready in time, Three Bears management pulled hands in from other stores, such as Carla Caudy from the Chugiak Three Bears and Forrest Charon, manager of the Palmer Three Bears, both of whom were helping stock shelves Thursday afternoon.

“I think everyone is going to be really happy with this new store,” Charon said.

Cyndi Jernstrom has worked and shopped at the Big Lake store for 12 years. She said she’s excited Three Bears stepped in.

“I get to keep working at my store in my community,” she said.

Contact Heather A. Resz at 352-2268 or heather.resz@frontiersman.com.