Experienced managers take helm of new grocery store in Minden

Sierra Nevada Trading Company, the new grocery store in Minden, boasts experienced managers at the helm.

General Manager Pam McClain and husband and assistant manager Monte McClain together have 80 years of retail grocery experience. He worked for 44 years for Vons and Albertsons, and his wife worked 36 years for Vons and Safeway.

"We didn't 'retire' for very long," said Monte McClain. "We're putting our experience to use here for owners Jimmy Lira, who owns Lira's Markets in South Lake Tahoe and Rio Vista, and his partners Bill Dutra and Kevin Coleman. Kevin is also the developer of Minden Village, where we're located."

The new grocery in the Minden Village retail center is the first in Minden. Previously, residents could choose from three grocery chain stores at the south end of Gardnerville Raley's, Smith's and Scolari's or they could travel north to the Albertson's in South Carson City.

The Sierra Nevada Trading Company opened Feb. 3. The store includes a large deli, a seafood counter, a coffee bar, a wine section, a flower and greeting card corner and a fresh-roasted chickens cart.

"I think the store's well thought-out," said Margot Cissillini, a customer in the first days after the store opened. "I like the wine area. It is well stocked and has sort of a 'Nob Hill,' high-end look to it. I'm impressed."

"Our intention is to offer our own high-end grocery niche to the local community," said Monte McClain. "We'll be competitive in certain areas, offering good quality foods and good service, and we won't require our customers to use a special store card."

The Sierra Nevada Trading Company is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and its phone number is 782-7377.