An owner’s promise to rebuild and reopen a historic Bremerton market that erupted in flames in 2021 has come to fruition about two years later.
The newly remodeled Midtown Market at 1534 6th St. reopened in late February after being damaged by fire and smoke. Despite the devastation felt by owner Akash Juneja and his family, who acquired the store in 2018, a promise motivated by the support of the community was made days after the blaze.
“People like to support local,” Juneja said. “You go to a bigger store where they don’t have that personal touch, they miss that part. We are here as a community, a family.”
Standing in the middle of the market’s newest layout, Juneja and shoppers alike believe the fire may have ended up being a blessing. “We made it, and we’re here,” he said. “We’re bigger and better with a beautiful store, and we couldn’t do it without the community.”
Customer Lance McCoy added: “I’ve been coming to this market since 1974, and this is the absolute best it’s ever looked. It’s weird how things work out like this.”
The store is the same in the sense of community but different in the overall shopping experience, Juneja said. Various produce, meats and cheese, a variety of drinks including a full beer cave are available, along with other grocery basics. “Everything is organized and has a section so people will be more comfortable shopping,” he said. A grab-and-go section similar to that of a gas convenience store is available toward the front.
The return of the market is exciting for non-driving customers like Lisa Ragsdale, who relied on its close proximity for immediate grocery needs. “I’d so much rather support the local business here and the community than a chain store with the same kind of prices,” she said. “Everybody knew you here and even expected that you would come at certain times. It is really family.”
McCoy, who shopped there when it was operated by Nick Garguile, called the history of the market iconic and is excited to see what new customers come to the store from his college days made new again. So far, it’s been a great fresh start. “We had about at least 75 to 100 people waiting outside to just come in on day one,” Juneja said. “It was so beautiful.”
