Back in 1995, Liz made the very first BumbleBar and pretty soon afterward, she and Glenn set up shop on Vashon Island near Seattle, producing and distributing bars. One of the stores where BumbleBars were available was a community staple called True Value. It’s since become an Ace Hardware, but current employee Katy Sassara reports that the store hasn’t lost any of its local warmth and still sells BumbleBars!
It’s always nice to connect with BumbleBar customers and distributors, but hearing from Katy was especially wonderful because she’s both! She reports some of her early memories of the store and the treat it was to visit and buy a B
umbleBar.
As Vashon Island and its local Ace Hardware store hold a special place in our hearts, it was wonderful to read the answers Katy provided for some questions we had:
How long has your store been in business?
We’re celebrat[ed] 40 years here on the island Saturday, [November] 11th. We’ve only been Ace since January of 2015 when we transitioned from True Value, but we’ve been family owned since 1977.
Who owns your store?
Our current owners are John Yates and Doug Snyder, who bought the business from Al and Laura Snyder (Doug’s parents and John’s in-laws) in June of 2001.
How long have you (Katy) been with Ace and how do you like it?
I’ve been working here for just over a year and I love it. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to find another retail job with such wonderful customers. My coworkers have become some of my dearest friends. I’ve gained an extra family in working here, and I think that experience is very apparent in the Vashon Ace customer experience.
I spent a significant amount of my childhood in and out of the store. Many of the people I work with now are people I’ve known for my entire life. For example, one of my managers has been here for 22 years. He and quite a few of my other coworkers have become part of the fabric of the island community and Ace is absolutely a social hub.
When did you first start carrying BumbleBars?
My introduction to BumbleBars was actually here at the store. When I was very young ‘getting a BumbleBar at True Value’ was one of my favorite treats. That memory has stuck with me for years. When I started working here I realized I wasn’t the only one who remembered and missed that. So, I asked if we could carry them again.
What’s your favorite flavor?
My favorite flavor is Original Peanut because that’s the one I remember the most from when I was young.
Have you gotten any feedback from Vashon Ace Hardware customers about BumbleBars?
I think the fact that we’re already having to reorder speaks for itself!
Thank you for sharing, Katy! We’re so happy to hear that Vashon Island is still sweet on BumbleBar because we’re still sweet on Vashon Island.
