NORTH POWDER — CJ’s Country Store is a place to grab a gallon of milk on the way home, a bag of chips and cold soda for a road trip, or an ice cream cone for a sweet treat.

And now customers can also find jewelry handcrafted by an artist from Sumpter, locally made goat milk soap created by Juniper Tree Soapworks, fresh roasted coffee from Baker City’s Coffee Corral, and handmade bags and aprons. And soon local beef and potatoes will be part of the inventory, as well.

Christina Smith and Clay McEnroe are the new owners of the market at 845 Second St. in North Powder. They took over in July, and have been slowly adding to the inventory ever since.

Originally called Evan’s Corner, he said they kept the current name for familiarity.

“We didn’t want to make huge changes,” he said. “We want to keep it inviting and comfortable for the locals to shop here.”

McEnroe can be found at the store most days, unless he’s driving to pick up products from Hill’s Meat Company in Pendleton or Walla Walla Cheese Company in Milton-Freewater.

“It was time to change things up,” McEnroe said of this new business venture, which followed his career in construction.

The interior has a new coat of paint, and the shelves are getting a touch up. McEnroe said the exterior will also be painted — he and Smith will provide the paint to the Powder Valley High School track team, who will paint the building and receive a donation for their program.

“Supporting the people who support us is a big deal,” he said.

In addition to grocery items, the store offers ready-to-eat options — sandwiches, pizza slices, a hot deli case, and packages of cheeses and meats — and the high school kids are steady lunchtime customers.

“From 11:30 to 12:15 it’s crazy busy,” McEnroe said. “We so much appreciate it.”

The store also offers take-and-bake pizzas, and often runs food specials, advertised on the Facebook page. To place an order in advance, call 541-898-2111. The market has a kitchen in the back where employees make special items, such as fresh muffins or caramel-covered apples.

“We have an incredible team here,” McEnroe said.

The store also stocks an inventory of liquor, and he said they are a source to fulfill orders from local restaurants.

“There’s a need and we’re trying to fill it,” he said.

Sales and service of alcoholic beverages are regulated by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, which purchases, warehouses and distributes distilled spirits to retail liquor stores in Oregon.

McEnroe said the store sometimes receives liquor that prompts calls from other states — he said these “bourbon hunters” check the OLCC website to find where their favorite liquor is stocked, then drive hundreds of miles to purchase it.

Partnership with Anthony Lakes

This winter, McEnroe said the store will sell lift tickets and Sno-Park permits for Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

“It’s the first time Anthony Lakes has done something like that,” McEnroe said. “I think it’ll be a great partnership.”

Right now, the store is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. As ski season starts, he said they may open a bit earlier to accommodate skiers and snowboarders who want to be at Anthony when it opens at 9 a.m.

Celebration

To celebrate the new ownership, Smith and McEnroe are inviting the community to a celebration on Sunday, Nov. 5, at the store from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a bonfire, live music by Frank Carlson, and hamburgers and hot dogs.

“They’ve been very welcoming — why not give back?” McEnroe said of the celebration.

To stay updated on the store offerings and specials, check out their Facebook page, Cj’s Country Store.