Caption: Deyona and Jamar Kirk took over ownership of he 4th Street Market on the corner of East 4th Street and Ast Avenue in June. They renamed the market Ma and Pop's Market
The 4th Street Market on the corner of East 4th Street and 1st Avenue East has a new name and new owners.
Deyona and Jamar Kirk purchased “Little John’s” 4th Street Market on June 10th and changed the name to “Ma and Pops” 4th Street Market.
Deyona said being the owner of a grocery store has been “really exciting.” She especially likes interacting with the customers. During National Night Out about 350 people showed up for a their barbecue in which they raffled off a bike.
Deyona said the hardest part of making the decision to purchase the store was deciding whether or not to quit her job as executive director of Women’s Community Development Organization, a position she has had for 11 years.
Deyona says she and her husband, Jamar, make a good team because they are skilled in different areas. Jamar takes care of the floor. He cuts meat, stocks the shelves and does ordering. Deyona does the bookkeeping, ordering, office work and deals with personnel issues. Jamar said he likes owning the grocery store because, “It feels like I’m helping. … Providing needed service in this area.” The couple had owned and managed the commissary in King Manor. Jamar also had worked in construction.
Especially helpful for the Kirks is that the previous owners, John and Annette Nygard agreed to stay in Duluth and help the Kirks for up to six months. The Nygaards were most helpful in teaching them the day-to-day operations, introducing them to the venders and showing them how to do the books and to place orders.
Deyona said one of the appealing aspects of the 4th Street Market is that, “It is smaller. It is not an obstacle course,” and, “It is within walking distance. …That’s huge.”
The deli items are some of the best selling items in Ma and Pop’s, especially the fried chicken and tacos. The cooks are Roxanne Kelly and Jamie Pyrlik. The food is cooked and prepared in the kitchen in the back of the store.
Ma and Pop’s is adding new items including a large selection of Black Hair Care Products, DVDs rentals and a Philly Cheese steak sandwich. The Kirks plan to slowly add more items to the deli.
The Kirks have four children Lavelle- age 6, Tatianna – age 7, Kantrelle – age 11 and Ray – age 17.
