My brother and sister in law, Terry & Kathy, have been touting loud praises for Marlene’s Market & Deli for a couple of years. Since I live in Renton and Marlene’s is in Federal Way, about 16 miles or so from my home, I’ve never been there until last week.
Cindy Slettevold, my friend and coworker and a few of our clients had an event there with her Toastmasters group. This day, Cindy knocked it out of the park when she gave a talk on Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse! Her delivery was so authentic the group wasn’t sure if she was serious or not. She almost had me too for a second. I was shooting video trying my best to be still and not bust out laughing.
The cool thing here is not fresh produce and zombies, but Marlene’s has a second level terrace inside their store and a section of it is reserved for groups to hold meetings and events. Smart thinking! All you have to do is make arrangements to reserve the space and its use is free.
I was so impressed with this store. The staff were all very polite, very helpful, and friendly. Even before they knew why I was there as I walked in toting my laptop, briefcase, and video accessories I was was asked, “How can I help you?” Without asking they chimed in, “I bet you’re here for today’s event and that’ll be up the stairs and to your right. Let me know if you need anything.
I was a little early and not one to miss a photo opportunity I put my things down and walked around the store taking pictures with my iPhone. Kasey, an employee working the produce section came up to me and asked me what I was doing and of course, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
So I told him my story. I’m here for an event, I’m a blogger and gathering material, and how my brother and sister in law are a living testimonial of how cool this place is. This is my first visit and I’m trying my best to capture everything I can. He laughed and we talked for several minutes. You know, I’ve actually tasted many of the stores goodies like the gluten free pastries and pies, homemade soups, and I’ve had many of the fresh organic veggies from here for dinners at Terry and Kathy’s home.
I was so impressed, Marlene’s has a wonderful deli, a gorgeous salad bar, and the produce was picture perfect and beautiful. This was so much better than the grocery stores I frequent that have but a puny little organic section.
We were just about done with our event when I noticed a little before noon that people young and old were coming through the front door in droves and heading up the stairs for the deli. I’m glad we stayed for lunch. I had a very yummy breakfast wrap that was warmed in a panini press.
Marlene’s Market & Deli has been in business in Federal Way since 1976 when they opened their first small health food store. Through the years they’ve moved several times as their popularity grew and they needed larger quarters. Since 2004 they’ve occupied the current 2 story location in the Gateway Center Plaza just off Interstate 5 at exit #143 at S. 320th.
It’s such a treat to see a market & deli so dedicated to gluten free, no GMOs, fresh organic vegetables, natural supplements, and body care products that are not tested on animals and made with organically grown and fairly-traded ingredients.
This experience really opened my eyes and kind of blew up many conversations I’ve been in where it was stated that a store like this wouldn’t make it. There was a steady stream of clients coming and going the entire time we were there... Way to go Marlene!
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