ASHLAND – The new owner of The Flour Barrel, 1289 B Claremont Ave., celebrated joining the area business community with a ribbon cutting Wednesday morning less than two months after taking over ownership.
Rhonda Boulden became owner of the bulk food store on Oct. 10 after the previous owner had advertised in the local newspaper last summer that they were looking to sell the business.
“It really was a God thing. I saw the ad, and I ignored it for a long time. Finally, he spoke louder and said you really need to do this, so here I am,” Boulden said.
Boulden had the store remodeled with new shelving and a new paint job on the interior. She also has added a seating area for people to enjoy the deli sandwiches the store offers.
“We sell a lot of sandwiches and that was one of the reasons I wanted to add a seating area for people that are on a lunch break and they don’t want to eat in their car, now they can have a place to sit, too,” Boulden said.
She said she wants to work with even more local vendors, adding to the list of area products already on the shelves including Goldberry Coffee and Archway. Also featured in the store is artwork for sale by several local amateur artists.
“I really love being here. It’s a happy place. I think my staff will agree with that. We work hard and put in a lot of hours, but we have a lot of fun,” Boulden said.
Several area officials welcomed Boulden to the Ashland business community, including Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce President Barbie Lange and Ashland Area Council for Economic Development Executive Director Kathy Goon.
“East Main Street is not the only place that is growing. Claremont Avenue is growing too and we’re glad that you are a part of that,” Mayor Glen Stewart said.
