George Bowers Grocery

Illustration of Edison's proposed "electric pen", courtesy Flickr | El Bibilomata

My Dearest and Most Loyal Patron,

Forgive the 120+ year delay in writing. Frankly, I've been a bit put out. As you may already know, my favorite cigar-smoking perch has been dismantled.

Yes, I rather enjoyed laying down on the cold marble counter and lighting up while conducting staff meetings. It infuriated Katie and annoyed Brian, something I'm sure you relish imagining.

(I won't bore you with the complicated, flux-capicator-driven methods I employ to run this business from the Great Beyond. Trust me, it's expensive.)

But to the point: my marble countertop is no more. In its place are a growing number of shelves that will be filled with even greater amounts of staple goods and fancy groceries. Why?

Because you have patiently awaited more international items, more cheese, and more wine choices. You have asked for it, and so, it is my duty to provide.

Finally, I would like to address the remarks of the lovely and talented Mrs. Nancy Spahr. She kindly described my shop as "the quirkiest grocery."

I propose she is wrong. In fact, my grocery - the George Bowers Grocery - is the quirkiest specialty grocery in the Mid-Atlantic. Why?

Because you know that I do not cater to the boring masses. My clientele remain the most creative, the most fun, and for that, the best damn folks this side of Staunton, or for that matter, the Great Beyond.

Yours fondly,

George

P.S. I shall enjoy going to downtown's new cigar shop when it opens. I hope the new owner doesn't scare easily. You might want to warn him...

P.P.S. Thank you for nominating us as a local business you love. Much obliged.