Ok. So. If you don't live in the area of Noel's, then you won't be able to enjoy the simple joys of having a grocery store "out in the bush" as we who live here most certainly do. The city of Siletz is a one gas station, one tavern, one dedicated restaurant, one grocery store town. Toledo is 6 miles to the south, but the nearest grocery store will cost you an extra 2 miles in the round trip.
Noel's Market was here when I moved into its catchment area 31 years ago. Some of the faces have been changed over the years, but not all. Prices are competitive. They cut their own meat. You ring the shiny chrome front desk bell at the meat counter and someone appears either from nowhere, or from where they had been stocking the shelf right next to you when you rang it. They wash their hands and then give you what you want. I love how sometimes they ask you what the price says on the customer's side of the meat case. Ah, trust. Once they've wrapped your selection with the carefulness you'd expect to go into a Christmas gift, they put their own signature Noel's Market smiley face right below the price. That used to drive me nuts. Now, I look forward to it.
Want romaine lettuce? Then shop someplace else. This is iceberg country, the fare of loggers, commercial fishermen and mill workers. They do sport the pre-packaged mixed greens, but many of those are still iceberg based! Too funny. Oh, and you'll want to check out the shopping cart stuffed with close-outs. They either place that cart near the entrance, or over by the dairy shelves. Speaking of the latter -- you didn't really expect anything organic, did you? But that's all right. You get the basics here. All the bad stuff that all the other big stores sell, but miles and miles closer to home than the nearest competitor pushing that High Fructose Corn Syrup.
The specials are surprisingly competitive and quite effective at keeping us loyal. And whereas gasoline prices out in Siletz will never be less than 15 or 20 cents less than in Newport, the prices at Noel's will beat many of the big chain stores if you keep your eyes peeled.
Friendly service isn't something they "try" to provide; they're just good folks who love to chat it up with the other good folks who are coming to visit them at work. And no long lines at those two checkout counters, either.
We love our Noel's Market! Add organic, and you'll get that 5th star!!! read more