Store fights back from fire

BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

One of the first customers Oct. 17 at the re-opened Somerset Market returned a video they’d rented just hours before a fire February 1 destroyed the family business and community landmark. “We’d rented out 45 movies that day,” says convenience store owner Bill Isaau.

Bill and his wife, Lete, have had a challenging eight-and-a-half months since the fire. Their business insurance wasn’t replacement value, government regulators wouldn’t approve the continued placement of gas pumps on the property, neither had a job, as they’d both worked in the store; and they borrowed money to plan for the business’ future. “The process was not easy, not easy,” Bill says. “It was very scary. “With the rules and regulations, it was very expensive. The first four months, we tried to rebuild it the way it was, but it’s a small land, too close to the road.”

They ended up with five options to consider, so they went with renovations to a 1949 barn at the back of the property once used for tobacco they’d just been using as storage. “It was just nothing, but we were lucky to have it.”

In June, the old store’s remains were demolished and work began on renovating the long-neglected barn. The gas pump safety issue was also resolved, and the pumps moved back from the road. TRA came in and helped with the new store’s layout, Tim and Byron Lamb sent their farm tractor up to help with site work and D&T Renovations made a “silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” “October 16 was the last inspection by the fire marshall and insurance, and we just opened - we didn’t announce it, but it was busy. Everyone’s curious to see.”

Neighbour Robin Gwynn said it’s more than curiosity drawing in locals: the Isaaus are “very positive people” and the store is a community landmark. “People hang around, they visit - I’m in here a couple times a week.”

Gwynn has taken it upon himself, with the Isaaus’ help and other volunteers in the community, to organize a Nov. 7 “party” at the store. “Just stop in and say ‘hi’,” he says.

The Isaaus will have a BBQ going and hope to see their customers and friends. “The community support for us - there was a fundraiser, they’d come and see us, ask us if our fridge was full or empty,” Bill says.

Lete figures it’s because the store isn’t theirs alone: “it’s the community’s. People around here - I can’t even describe how good they are. We missed them - they’re like family. Our store has been their office - right here,” she says, pointing to the space in front of her counter.