It was an idyllic setting for a new business. A tree-lined street in North Augusta filled with houses built in the 1930’s and 40’s. Businesses line the streets including a realtor’s office, a staffing agency, a hair salon, and a boutique. They supported each other, including their newest neighbor, West Avenue Market, located at 512 West Avenue, which opened in late October last year.
Despite a great beginning, when customers popped in and out for the convenience of picking up freshly cooked meals, taking them home, and popping them in the oven for their families. It wasn’t enough.
“We weren’t able to get what we needed to keep our inventory properly stocked,” said Sethren, a temporary employee.
West Avenue Market utilized a network of locally sourced food, including Beamie’s at the River, Pies & Sides, Honey from the Rock, What’s Cooking Downtown Aiken, Blue Collard, Cotton Bug Bakery, and other local companies.
“We don’t have a timeline for closing the doors. Right now, we are working to reduce the inventory that we have.”
Remember the cozy neighborhood bar, Cheers, which was the basis for a long-running TV series? The show featured a great cast where everyone knew your name. Aside from the cozy atmosphere and great selection of take-home dishes, the folks at West Avenue Market remembered your name. In the end, it wasn’t enough.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
