Squeeze & Grind owners purchase building

A Washougal couple who purchased Squeeze & Grind 1 ½ years ago recently bought the building that their business is in.

Jeramy and Marcie Wilcox bought 537 N.E. Cedar St., in November, from Albina Bank, of Portland. The purchase price was $220,000.

The bank had foreclosed on the property.

“We looked at this situation like there wasn’t any other option but to purchase the building, and we knew if we didn’t act fast someone else would,” Marcie said. “Theoretically, a new owner could have given us 20 days notice to get out. We just weren’t willing to risk everything we’d already invested into our business to sit back and see what happens.

“We jumped on the opportunity to purchase a piece of downtown Camas and ensure that we could continue to do business as Squeeze & Grind has for the past 13 years,” she added. “We are thrilled to be an owner-occupied business and look forward to many more years of serving this community.”

The Wilcoxes plan to work on some moderate renovations on the interior and give the exterior a “face lift” in the spring and summer.

“We have our community to thank for their continued support,” Marcie said. “We feel entirely grateful to them for making this investment into our community possible and growing a strong, stable business.

“We love the popularity that the idea of ‘shop local’ or ‘shop small’ has gained,” she added. “This means a great deal to us as small business owners. We continue to support small local businesses in our personal spending, simply because we know it does make a difference.”

Marcie has worked at Squeeze & Grind since August 1999, a few months after it was opened by Gena Barlow.

The coffee shop sells espresso drinks, smoothies, Tazo teas, muffins and Umpqua oatmeal. Sugar-free beverages and free wi-fi are also available Monday through Friday, from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 833-2404.