The iconic Fritz Creek General Store building officially reopened under new ownership on Thursday, April 24. The building suffered from a structural fire in July 2023 and has been closed since. It has recently undergone substantial renovations in preparation for the reopening. However, aside from the addition of more shelving units, the space feels entirely familiar.
On Thursday, customers sat in the sunshine outside, laughing and eating slices of pizza and snacks from the grocery shelves. The parking lot was packed tightly with cars and trucks, and people pumped gas for their vehicles while waving at neighbors and friends. The kitchen — beloved for its sandwiches, pizza, deli delicacies and baked goods — is back open under the supervision of General Manager Harrison McHenry, formerly the owner of Fresh Catch Cafe. The building and business were bought by entrepreneur Justin Cole, who also owns and operates Justin Cole’s Downeast Saloon and Cole’s Market in Kachemak City.
McHenry said in an interview Monday that the response to the reopening has been great. People in the community have missed the store and the history it represents, he said.
According to previous reporting by the Homer News, the building was originally constructed in the early 1950s, serving as a store and social space for “political clubs, holiday events, dances and wedding receptions.” It also served as the Fritz Creek federal post office facility for many years, although the post office component of the store will not reopen under the new owners.
The Fritz Creek General Store is currently open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For now, the deli is open Tuesday through Saturday. McHenry said they plan to expand operating hours once they find more employees. Those interested in working for the store can stop by and grab an application in person or reach out to McHenry at 907-299-4538.
Chandeliers hang from the renovated ceiling in the Fritz Creek General Store on its reopening day on Thursday, April 24. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Mariah McGuire and Karma Wilcox bask in the sunlight outside the Fritz Creek General Store on its reopening day on Thursday, April 24. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
P.K. stands by the much-missed pizza hot case in the Fritz Creek General Store on its reopening day on Thursday, April 24. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Happy customers pose for a photo in the Fritz Creek General Store on its reopening day on Thursday, April 24. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Chloe Pleznac/Homer News A deli board displays a selection of food options in the Fritz Creek General Store on its reopening day on Thursday, April 24.
