Carri Tattum Leverty didn't exactly jump into things with her specialty foods and gourmet market,Tattum's at Juniper Hill.
After committing to the idea in late 2002, Leverty spent 10 months putting the market together.
The market at 7485 Longley Lane right behind the Juniper Hill Furniture store owned by her family opened in August.
While much of the time was consumed by improvements inside the new building and the preparation of a business plan to take to the bank, Leverty said she also spend time on the road at gourmet food shows on both coasts to establish relationships with vendors.
Those relationships are critical, she said, because Tattum's at Juniper Hill positions its market as a place shoppers can find products that aren't available elsewhere in the area.
Lunch business at the market's delicatessen has been strong, Leverty said, and she's looking to build breakfast trade as well as what she calls "grab and go" dinner specials.
Leverty, a graduate of culinary school in San Francisco, is joined by chef Colin Smith in the market's kitchen.
The store's customers come from southwest Reno as well as the Mount Rose area and Incline Village.
Already, Leverty said, she's fielding requests to open a second market but she's not in any hurry.
"I believe people spread themselves too thin, and things don't work well," she said.
Tattum's at Juniper Hill employs 10.
