THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 7, 1996 TAG: 9608070472
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Guy Friddell
LENGTH: 52 lines
A fabled Norfolk grocery, Bazemore's Friendly Market, has reopened friendlier than ever.
``We aim to restore services that helped people for four decades,'' Margaret Falkiner said.
She and her husband, Charles, are partners backing the store. It is managed with a strong staff by Reed and Erin Dail, owners of Loaves and Fishes on West 21st Street.
In refurbished Bazemore's, one is greeted by sunshine through a huge skylight that bathes newly painted white walls and wide aisles.
``That skylight was the first thing we wanted,'' Margaret Falkiner said of the yearlong planning that preceded Bazemore's recent reopening at 6412 Hampton Blvd.
They polled 800 residents of westside Norfolk on the products and conveniencies they preferred.
``Many wanted a bicycle rack,'' she said. ``They shall have it.''
Among returning favorites is John Goodman and his home deliveries whatever the weather. When a family was away, Goodman opened the back door, put groceries on the table and in the refrigerator, then relocked the door. He was alert as well to lend a helping hand.
Among home-bound customers were many who never entered Bazemore's. Goodman has a new van emblazoned with a sunflower.
Returning are two butchers who will cook turkeys and hams on order for the holidays. A deli offers sandwiches and tote cuisine daily.
In a 20-block stretch along Hampton Boulevard from the underpass to Terminal Boulevard were once four grocery stores. One by one, as chain stores spread, they closed,
T.N. Bazemore began the market in the 1950s. Joe McPhillips bought it in 1963 and sold it to his nephew, Terry Falls, in 1988. The Patel family bought it in 1990 and sold it in 1993 to Larry Green, who closed it early in 1995.
``We believe there are those who still want a corner grocery store,'' Falkiner said.
Wives used to call husbands to stop on their way home to pick up items. Bazemore's was known as ``the husband's best friend.''
Once, interviewing Stanley Harrison who was assisting his wife, Edie, in her campaign for the U.S. Senate, I asked how they survived such a hectic pace.
``There's always Bazemore's,'' he said.
As there is again. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo by Martin Smith-Rodden/The Virginian-Pilot
Managers Erin and Reed Dail by CNB