New Neighborhood Grocery Store St. G’s Bodega Opens on St. Cloud’s East End

(KNSI) – A new neighborhood grocery store opened its doors Wednesday on St. Cloud’s East End.

St. G’s Bodega, at 415 E. St. Germain St., is owned by Marla, Madison and Shaelynn Waseka. Marla Waseka spoke with KNSI News moments after the doors opened and says the owners thought about the people living in the neighborhood when they decided to open there. “A lot of them nearby don’t have a vehicle, so this should be an easy way for them to get their groceries, especially when it’s 40 below or 90 above.”

Waseka says the owners have a second group of customers in mind. “Also, we’re targeting a market of people who don’t want to go all the way to the back end of a great big store to get a gallon of milk, and so this is easy in and out.”

The shelves are stocked with everyday basics like bread, eggs, milk and butter, along with snacks, meal ingredients, personal care items, household goods and tobacco products. Waseka says the inventory will grow over time. The cooler also holds sandwiches and drinks, and there are four tables by the front window for customers who want to stay and eat.

The word “bodega” is usually tied to small shops in New York City, and Waseka says that’s the model the owners are following. “It’s a small neighborhood store. Also a neighborhood hub where people can come, they can post events, they can hang out for a little while and get what they need.”

St. G’s Bodega is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week.

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