5 Corners Mini Mart

I’ve frequented this store on a very regular basis for the last 3 years or so. Steve and his wife were great. A few months ago, I would have given 5 stars. The previous owners always welcomed me by name and asked for suggestions on what to carry. I’m not huge on small talk, but it was nice to feel like a valued customer. Recently, they’ve changed hands and it totally sucks. The store is pretty much barren. They don’t carry half of of products that they used to. I find the new owners rude and cheap. They’re always out of the few products that they do still carry. If you are a regular customer of this store, you know what I’m taking about. The new owners really need to step up their game. I give them a year before they’re out of business.

Mr. and Mrs. Park stock this mini mart with excellent wines and a good selection of beers as expected. One time I grabbed a bottle of Gascon Malbec on the way to a party. We were all very pleasantly surprised at how good this well-​priced bottle was! Unexpectedly, they also carry gourmet ice cream and Korean treats. The owner is so sweet to share samples of the Korean crackers and candies; the only problem is I keep getting hooked on them! This super friendly family owned business is the perfect place to get last minute conveniences. Don’t bother with Safeway, this place will have you in and out in minutes and there is always parking right in front of the store.

Steve is awesome, the beer selection is better than Safeway, and they allow dogs in the store! Steve even has treats sometimes. I’m grateful that the stick-​in-​the-​mud digerati parents around here haven’t chased him out.

Kudos and +1 star for business owner Steve Park’s persistence in getting a small business up and running. This is a straightforward, no-​frills convenience store. There’s no Dean and Deluca, there’s no 100 year cognac, no $ 6 Clover-​made coffee. It’s a convenience store. Nothing more, nothing less. ‘cept they don’t sell Lottery tickets so I’m bummed.
There’s no law against garish signs, but no doubt some aesthetically-​enhanced Queen Anner is drafting a City Council resolution as I type.