 Hosanna Fruit & Produce in Naches is shown prior to its remodel. Hosanna Fruit & Produce | Last Chance Deli | Naches Mercantile & Wine
Submitted April 2011
Owner:
Dave & Denise Olsen
Address:
12160 U.S. Highway 12, Naches, WA 98937
Years in business: 2
Line of business: Yakima Valley produce, deli food including gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, Yakima Valley wine tasting
Number of employees: 6
Greatest challenges and success:
After staring out the kitchen window for several years at an old dilapidated fruit stand across the street from their family home, Dave and Denise Olsen hit on the idea of completely remodeling and creating a three-store, one-stop business that could offer all that Yakima Valley is known for and has to offer.
Construction started in 2008 and was finished and ready for business in June 2009. The idea was to set themselves apart from other similar businesses by offering not only local fruit and produce, but a deli that would focus on a menu made exclusively from local and seasonal ingredients, as well as a wine tasting room that would feature the small boutique wineries in the Yakima Valley, and gift items made in the Valley or created by Yakima Valley artists.
Dave and Denise believe that not skimping on quality and supporting other local business is imperative to running their own successful business.
They have shown that by bringing in local bread, ice cream, coffee, fruit and produce, honey, soda, mustards, dressings, jams, soaps, lotions, lavender, jewelry, art, and the list goes on . . . “We are trying to stay as local and true to Yakima Valley as possible.” states Dave.
After their first four months of business, Dave and Denise realized that the majority of their business was directly related to tourism and whether White and Chinook passes were open.
Even with marketing and advertising, it has been a challenge creating interest from the residents of the Yakima Valley.
Their business at this point has been a seasonal seven-month business instead of the year-round business they are hoping to create.
Dave and Denise are starting their third season this May and are looking forward to the upcoming changes they have made.
This year the deli will be offering gluten/dairy free and vegan items to their menu as well as grab and go snacks, some organic fruits and vegetables, and new wineries and wines in their tasting room.
“We love what we do and the experience we can provide to our customers,” says Denise. |
