For a little more than a quarter century, Ed's Market, the city's oldest "mom and pop" neighborhood store, has been able to maintain a rewarding reputation of providing quality foods and convenience.
Under the ownership of Tom and Peachie O'Connor, Ed's Market continues to offer good customer service and a friendly atmosphere for 26 years, according to the owners.
Tom is a long-time accountant as well as former City Council president.
Article Photos
Tom and Peachie O'Connor have turned a friendly neighborhood philosophy into a successful business at Ed's Food Market,
1200 Franklin Street, for a quarter century.
Peachie is a former registered nurse who worked at the Divine Providence Hospital in the coronary and intensive care unit and as house supervisor.
The two took over Edward A. Mues's business in 1983, who opened the store as a neighborhood grocery in 1976.
Since purchase of the business, the O'Connor's have further expanded and geared its services to providing quality sandwiches and catering services.
With a menu of nearly 40 submarine sandwich choices, the market uses fresh meats and produce, as well as fresh-baked rolls from New Lycoming Bakery.
In more than two decades, the owners have previously opened two other locations: Loyalsock Township and Newberry, and despite each locations' good business, have since closed.
Since the closures, the O'Connors have been able to refocus their attention on their original Franklin Street location, and its loyal customer base from the other stores still follow.
"Fortunately, we have been able to maintain the customer base (of the other stores)," Peachie said, "and we value their patronage. "
"It's interesting to see the changes in people over the years," said Tom of the store's past and current customers.
He added that it's nice and fun to see former customers that came in as children return with their own children.
Peachie attributes the store's success not only to its customers with whom they've managed to make many friends, but to the employees that have worked for them since their purchase.
"It's a pleasant environment," said Cissy Losch, an 11-year employee.
She added that, because of the family-like atmosphere, it doesn't feel like a job.
For 10-year employee Joey Foster, he said that there is never a dull moment while working.
"It's fun," Foster commented. "It's a good working environment and have we good people to work for. I enjoy every day."
Newcomer Tina Paternostro said that it's like working with a big family, and the work is great as well as accommodating.
Having been able to maintain a solid reputation over the years is a source of pride for the owners, they said, who have been working as a team since their elementary school days.
Despite many challenges faced in owning a business, Peachie said that having been able to be successful for such a long period of time, is an accomplishment.
"It's a matter of team effort," she said, "which helps us with organization and day to day operations."
