By Dennis Box

The Courier-Herald

After 23 years at the top of Elhi Hill, the Bonney Lake Supermarket will close it doors by the end of March.

Located at 18318 state Route 410 E., the store has survived a couple of ownership changes and a previous closing in 1996.

Because of increased competition from large grocery chains, owner Gary Potts has decided to close when his lease expires next month. He has owned the store for the past seven years.

"I am sorry we had to do this," Potts said. "But with Wal-Mart opening a superstore in South Hill this year and in Bonney Lake next spring, and a new lease coming up, it was time."

Potts is selling all the merchandise at 10 percent off and he hopes to sell the store's equipment by the time he closes the doors.

About 20 employees, including grocery clerks and meat cutters, will either retire or look for another job.

"I've told them I will get them any information I can about other jobs," Potts said. "They are all loyal and want to stick around to the end."

Boni Butka has worked at the store since the day it opened, May 26, 1982.

"This store has put a lot of food on my table," Butka said. "I like working with the public. It's been a nice long run and I hope I can keep the retail end of my career going. I'm not too sure what I will do next. I'm still sorting out my options."

Rob Wilson has worked at the store for a year and stated he plans to teach skiing next.

Potts has worked in the grocery business since 1973.

"I started out at Market Foods in Parkland cleaning out the meat market," Potts said. "I reopened this store in 1996 as a manager. It had closed down for a few months. I bought it once we got it going."

With about three to four weeks left at the store, Potts said he has not decided whether he will buy another store or even stay in the grocery business.

"I just want to take care of this place," Potts said. "I really appreciate the way the community and our loyal customers have supported us all this time."

Many of the patrons were sad to the point of tears at the news of the closing.

"I really like this store," Janet Stanifer said. "They get to know you and you become friends. I will have to look around to try to find another store like this one. I don't know what I will do."

The supermarket's regular customers enjoyed the personal attention and intimacy of the store.

"I've always said we are first on the hill and always will be," Butka said. "Now in everybody's heart we will be. It's been a good 23 years."

According to Potts, the owners have not decided the fate of the building. More information will be available in the coming weeks.

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com.