Hardy’s Market

New owner: Jazzy Chana

Location: 10200 Old Olympic Highway

Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

Contact: 360-582-0240

“We want everybody to know that our boss is a good guy; we’re all good people,” said Sendy Alvarez of the new owner of Hardy’s Market, a fixture at 10200 Old Olympic Highway in Sequim since the early 2000s.

Owner Jazzy Chana of Yakima purchased the convenience store from long-time owner Randy Dupont on Feb. 8, the day the big snowstorm hit the North Olympic Peninsula.

Chana, 29, also owns two 7-Eleven stores in Yakima and purchased his first franchise when he was 21.

Chana wanted to assure Hardy’s loyal customers that little will change with his ownership.

“I think Sequim customers think we’re going to do a lot of changes but I want to let everybody know we’re not changing anything — just adding to it,” he said.

For residents, Dupont’s folksy and engaging manner, with his greetings of “howdy, neighbor” made the store a quasi-community center.

Said Alvarez, “Randy’s stamp is on the store and that’s hard for a lot of people.”

“I am pretty excited about Hardy’s Market — it’s different from 7-Eleven but I’m looking forward to (having) it,” Chana said.

“I loved the vibes and that’s why I bought it. Randy has done a really good job with the deli and I really like the atmosphere the way it is. He’s done a great job there.”

Chana added, “I have a couple of projects in mind (for the adjacent parking lot) that are in the works … and I have plans done and in order. I just need to get the OK from the city and I hope it’s good news in the next couple of weeks.”

Hardy’s is well-known for its “have it your way” subs and wraps, hefty pizza slices, luncheon specials and hand-dipped ice cream, and Chana said deli offerings will stay the same.

The drive-thru has a brisk business of espressos, too.

Hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

Alvarez and manager Shelly Cassalery oversee a staff of 13.

“I just want people to come and enjoy themselves,” Alvarez said.

“We want people to know that we’re here to help with whatever they need. Everybody is welcome here, everyone. The only change is to bring more stuff, more goodies in.”

Call 360-582-0240 for takeout orders.