In Madrona, the humble façade of King's Deli and Grocery might blend into the neighborhood's streetscape, but its story stands out thanks to the determination of its owner, Beruck Tewolde. Tewolde, who is both the owner and the sole employee, has seen his share of challenges, but his work ethic keeps him pushing ahead. "It has a lot of challenges," Tewolde told the Bottom Line Seattle. "You have to work more. But if you work hard, you see the profit."
Students from Garfield High School and other local schools regularly swarm to Tewolde’s shop to quickly grab a bite of fried chicken or a swirl of soft serve ice cream. Continuously adapting to meet community needs, Tewolde expanded his store's offering to include Ethiopian foods and ingredients when a nearby market closed. But Tewolde didn't just have to adapt to changing consumer tastes; he also had to navigate to keep his business running amidst a string of burglaries that left his storefront damaged.
His latest brush with crime came last February when burglars broke in, stealing his cash register and shattering the glass door. The timing couldn't have been more challenging with the birth of his son just days before the break-in. Despite these setbacks, Tewolde has managed to maintain his business, serving the locals who rely on him for their daily needs.
The Storefront Repair Fund, recognizing the crucial role small businesses like King's Deli and Grocery play in their communities, has recently honored Tewolde with its 600th check, helping to alleviate some of the financial burden caused by the break-ins. Such support is crucial to ensure that committed entrepreneurs like Tewolde can continue to uplift and serve their neighborhoods, even when faced with unforeseen hardships.
