What a difference a few weeks can make.
I was at Sampa’z at Plaza Shopping Center just a short time ago and the business owners were telling me about all the great Super Bowl specials they had in the works. Now, just one week after the Super Bowl, the restaurant is cleaned out and Sampa’z has retreated into a forest of obscurity nowhere to be found and never to be heard from again.
Oh well, so much for that one.
But there’s great news for the Plaza Shopping Center spot that’s probably best known as being home to Gondola for 19 years. A new Mexican restaurant is on the way! Alberto Chairez, who has 14 years of experience working in local Mexican restaurants, is the restaurant owner.
“This will be far and away different from anything we have in town,” said Alberto, who says he is well familiar with our local Mexican fare from Fiesta Ranchero to La Cazona. “This is something I think we’ve needed for some time and I’m glad to be able to offer it. I will be serving Mexican sandwiches, which is something no one else has. We’ll also have burritos, nachos, and Mexican tacos, but it won’t be like any place else here.”
Alberto brings great excitement and enthusiasm about the chance to have his very own restaurant after working for other people for years.
“I know what I’m doing and I’ll prepare really good food,” said Alberto.
He estimates it will take five to six weeks to get his equipment set up and get the restaurant operational. I’m looking forward to eating the first bean burrito.
Bargain World Has arrived
If you’re going to operate a store, there are few better names than Bargain World.
When I go shopping, I like to think I’m getting a bargain. I don’t like to think I’m getting the shaft. So the name Bargain World helps get me in the mindset that’s I’m experiencing tremendous savings. That’s what Gary Mason has been thinking too. Gary is opening Bargain World on Sparta Highway this Monday. The store is located next to Bobcat of McMinnville and not far from what’s known as Powers 4-Lane BP.
“If you want a deal, here we are,” said Gary. “Customers can expect to save 50% to 80% off regular store prices and it’s all new merchandise.”
Gary had previously been at that location, but at the back of the building, when he opened Liquidation Closeouts in the summer of 2019. Five months later, he moved to Northgate Center to a more traditional retail location. But the thought of paying rent for the rest of his life convinced Gary for the need to purchase his own place.
“I’ve bought this building,” said Gary. “I think it will make a world of difference being in the front, especially with the big sign we have in place.”
One discount item Gary hopes to offer continuously is name brand 2-litter soft drinks like Dr Pepper and Pepsi for just 79 cents. “That’s not a sale price,” said Gary. “That’s my everyday price.”
The 5,000-square-foot store is filled with a little of everything. On the grocery side, there’s candy, chips, fruit cocktail and other items. The general merchandise side includes tools, kitchen cookware and silverware, paper towels, batteries, bed sheets, toys, yard ornaments, ball caps, and much more.
“I’ve been doing this from the wholesale end for about 20 years,” said Gary. “You never know what’s going to be coming on the truck. It’s kind of like Christmas. I’ve only been on the retail end about two to three years. This store is like Dollar General, only with better prices.”
I’ve bought merchandise at Gary’s store every time I’ve walked through the door. The prices are so low, it’s hard to resist.
“The great thing about this location is we have more retail space up front and more storage in the back,” said Gary. “We have room to expand if that’s something we need to do down the road.”
Bargain World opens this Monday and will be open seven days a week. Store hours are Monday thru Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and check it out.
