Grand re-opening of J-Lynn’s Your Independent Grocer reflects resilience, growth, and community connection
On Thursday, Dec. 18, members of the Nackawic-Millville community gathered at J-Lynn’s Your Independent Grocer for the grand re-opening, showing owners J-Lynn Jensen and John Almeida that the store is more than a place to buy groceries; it is a community hub.
The store renovation process began two years ago, and the actual renovation took about three months once the upgrade started.
“The planning stage was the minute we knew we were losing the liquor store. The company needed to figure out what we were going to do with that back room where the liquor store used to be,” said Almeida.
“So they decided, well, let’s just do a full renovation and see where that goes. And this is it.”
Not only is the store larger, but it also has brand-new fixtures, shelving, and coolers. There are now larger fresh-food sections, like the deli and produce.
Almeida says with the added supplies, Nackawic-Millville residents don’t need to go to Woodstock or Fredericton for a superstore.
“We have a new motto: the little store that could,” said Jensen.
Mayor Tim Fox spoke at the reopening about the significance of the store’s upgrade to the community.
Growing up in the community, Fox says he never really noticed much of a difference in renovations in the past, but the store’s renovations are “a big, big difference.”
Fox says the Nackawic-Millville council is focused on growing the community, and added that he’s impressed when he sees businesses invest, which tells him they’re headed in the right direction.
“I know our council.We probably don’t say it enough. But how much we appreciate J-Lynn and John.Not just because they run this store. But because of the stuff that they do in the community,” said Fox.
Jensen and Almeida are grateful to their staff and community, who have supported them for the past three and a half years and have acted as the backbone of the store’s survival.
Jensen emphasized that the store has fostered a sense of family, and she is grateful for everyone’s loyalty through both good and difficult times.
“It’s just been so fantastic, you guys have all embraced us like we’re family. We love you guys, we love the community. I can’t believe how this community has come together for us,” said Jensen.
