Feed store on hiatus as owner ponders options

By Pat Jenkins

The Dispatch

Blackstar Feed in Eatonville is scheduled to be closed for about half of October while the owner of the store considers its future.

"I've been trying to plan to move, reorganize or sell the business since April, and I find that I need some time in order to move forward," said Margaret Franich about the "temporary closure" from Oct. 5 through Oct. 21.

She said she is "looking for who might be the next owner or owners and is asking anyone interested in a "business opportunity" to send a resume and a letter of interest to Blackstar Feed, P.O. Box 474, Eatonville, WA 98328 by Oct. 5.

"I'm hoping to see big changes in the business by the end of October," she said.

Franich has owned the store the past four years after buying it from its original owners, who opened the shop at 128 Washington Ave. in December 2012. The store's products include organic feed for farm animals, pet food and pet supplies, seeds and other garden items. It also is an outlet for vintage and antique items and local art.

"I always want to be there for my customers, but I'm finding I am spread too thin and need time to regroup and make decisions about the future of Blackstar," she said of the planned closure. "My apologies for any inconvenience this might cause to my customers."