New business faces around the Key Peninsula

Connie Harris, KP News

There have been many new business faces around the Key Peninsula in 2004 and 2005. Below is a roundup of some of the new neighbors not previously mentioned in the Key Pen News:

Wooden Toys and Gifts opened for business in December. After studying their nieces and nephews, and a lot of research, Maureen and Dennis Nixon discovered that the wooden toys of the old days stimulate imagination. They are building a home in Olalla, which is where they develop and manufacture their toys. Their wholesale outlet is located beside the Bridgeway Market in Purdy, where they also sell crafts made by other artisans.

Log Tekniq’ specializes in log furniture, family heirloom furniture, and furniture restoration. Owner Bob Hanna said he was looking for a certain ambiance with a lot of solitude to work on his craft. He found both when he discovered the old Vaughn Post Office, near the Key Pen Civic Center, last October.

Dexter’s, located next to Bridgeway Market in Purdy, changed owners last year. Danny Dosanjh remodeled and decided he could provide fresh, made to order food and ice cream by the beach in Purdy.

Rudolph’s Espresso was opened by Vince Rudolph in November. He chose his location wisely on Key Peninsula Highway in front of the Shell gas station. Soon after taking over the coffee shop, he extended his hours of operation and expanded the drink menu to accommodate the commuter traffic on the highway. Rudolph says he is very pleased with his location and plans to open an additional deli and espresso next to Volunteer Park later this year.

Rib Ticklers left Gig Harbor and now resides in Bridgeway Market, bringing barbecue chicken and baby back ribs to the Purdy Spit. Opening at the new location on Jan. 21, Dennis Ofsthan said he answered the same demands of his former customers. “I love the location and plan to have outdoor dining in the warmer months on a new patio,” he said.

Also in Purdy, Jaci Parrish followed her passion for beading to open the Beadin’ Path in January. With a beautiful view of Henderson Bay, the store offers a collection of beading supplies along with classes.

Mother and daughter, Genevieve and Laurie Ellis, who are a tax preparer and an accountant, relocated their Ellis Accounting firm from Tacoma in May to Key Center, next to the library. The business also offers notary service. They said they are looking forward to new clients.

Floor Covering Direct was opened in October by Paul Turnpaugh in Key Center. He says he can meet all floor covering needs at his location. Turnpaugh takes appointments, and also offers carpets and tiles that can be selected for immediate installation.

Friendly Food Mart/76 is the new name for the former Texaco store and gas station on the corner of Elgin-Clifton and State Route 302. Owner Max Lee has owned a store in Kent. Lee has reorganized his new business and is offering various new specials since taking over the store in January.