You know that old convenience store that used to sell candy and smokes on the southwest corner of Quebec & 10th? Well, it closed this past March after 17 years, leaving behind its old, Coke-style “Federal Store” signage hanging over the entrance. On the same day as the owners were moving out, Colette Griffiths and Christopher Allen just happened to be walking by on their way to their Mount Pleasant home.

The two restaurant industry veterans (both took turns managing Six Acres in Gastown) immediately got to talking about what they would do with the space if it was theirs. They returned later that same day to find out what was going to happen to the space. Upon learning that it was available, and after some life-changing back and forth, they decided to pounce, taking the keys almost immediately.

They got their permits in August and have been busily getting The Federal Store ready for its next iteration: a four seat cafe and grocery. There’s not a lot that can fit into the 650 sqft space, so there will be a lot of picking and choosing in the coming months as they load up on stock. There will be candies, dry goods, a prepared food component (they’re testing vendors and bakers now), as well as a coffee program with beans from Bows & Arrows.

Cross your fingers for an opening day at some point in early winter. Take a look inside…

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