Newport Avenue Market Grocery Interview

Spike Bement, Store Manager
Joe Anzaldo, Assistant Store Manager and Grocery Department Manager

Spike – I’ve been in the grocery business for more than 30 years; here at Newport Ave. Market since 1991. I used to be an old typical “cornflake jockey,” as we call them. I’ve worked at just about every job there is in a grocery store.

Joe

Joe – Like Spike, I’ve worked in this industry for a long time, more than 18 years, and mostly with a large chain. I’ve been with Newport Market since about the beginning of 2005, so while Spike’s got a few years on me here at the store, I’m catching up quick on what makes this store out of the ordinary.

Spike – It’s the atmosphere of the store that’s really great. It’s always been that way. There’s something about being a neighborhood grocery store, and being a gathering place, that really makes Newport stand out.

Joe – I really like the interaction with employees and customers. This store is bustling and I’m seeing close to 10,000 customers a week, so I’m big into talking to people, kissing the babies, that kind of thing. And Rudy gives his managers a lot of freedom to run their departments which is different than other stores. It’s also helps keep the store fresh and new.

Spike – That’s right. We’re able to go to housewares shows, food shows, and take advantage of other opportunities that let us keep up on what the world has to offer our customers and increase our knowledge of the food business. We see first hand what’s new and exciting, and then we bring it back to Bend, long before you’ll see it at the chain grocery stores or big box stores.

Joe – It’s more about the shopping experience at Newport. When people come here, they’re trying to find out what’s new and what’s fresh or they’re looking for a hard to find item for the latest recipe or wandering the aisles to make a new discovery.

Spike – They’ll find something new every time they walk through our doors. That’s Newport Ave. Market.