ABOUT OLIVER LEMON'S
Our Story
We began this awesome, delicious adventure in 1976, when we opened close to downtown Bend. During this journey, we have formed a deep connection to this community which we love dearly. It’s a point of pride we are the ones who have been responding to the diverse and discerning tastes of our fellow Bendites. And so, over the years, we have fashioned ourselves into more than just a boutique grocery store. We are a must-do, local experience, finely tuned to our customers’ cravings for real food and real fun. That’s the real Central Oregon.
In 2015, the flagship store of our company, Newport Ave. Market in Bend, became Central Oregon’s first and only locally founded and employee-owned grocery store.
Fast forward to 2017 when Rudy’s Markets Inc. was approached by Melvin’s in Sisters to buy their store. Leap to September of that year and we became a two-store chain! We love it when a plan comes together! Melvin’s became Melvin’s by Newport Ave. Market.
Leap to January 2020 when we made our next two big steps. The first was the purchase of Terrebonne Thriftway. That same day, both Melvin’s by Newport Ave. Market and Terrebonne Thriftway became Oliver Lemon’s. A three-store chain that started right here in Central Oregon and is 100% Employee Owned.
Employee Owned
How YOU benefit from our Employee Ownership
In 2015, the flagship store of our company, Newport Ave. Market in Bend, became Central Oregon’s first and only locally founded employee-owned grocery store. For you, this means that, like Newport, our Oliver Lemon’s staff (both Sisters and Terrebonne stores) are invested in making your shopping experience the best possible!
We know more, and care more!
Our staff takes pride in all they do, and the success of our stores for our community, neighbors, friends, families, and visitors alike. The success of our stores creates an incredible opportunity for our employee owners to have a real shot at retirement funds when that day comes; by showing up and doing a great job day in and day out and it doesn’t cost the employee a thing, just hard work and dedication.