Lori Honeywell took over the Southend General Store and Restaurant almost two years ago.

“The community was so welcoming,” said Lori.

Lori and her husband Scott have been visiting Lopez since 1979 and Scott’s parents have been camping at Odlin Park since 1967. The couple purchased a vacation home in 2005 and started planning on how they could move to Lopez. Lori made the move from Kirkland two years ago and Scott is still commuting from his job in Seattle.

When they saw that the Southend General Store was for sale they knew they wanted to purchase it.

“We thought it had a lot of potential,” said Lori.

Lori spent 22 years as an escrow officer and though it’s a much different business, Lori says her time in the real estate world has helped her run the Southend.

“With both jobs you have to think on your feet and multi-task,” she said.

Her first goal was to beef up groceries and fresh produce sold at the store.

“We are still moving forward to becoming a full-service grocery,” Lori said.

Lori made sure to not make any major changes to the store when she took over. Instead she kept the same staff and installed a suggestion box by the cashier. She waited to see what Lopezians wanted to see at the Southend first.

People asked for gluten-free food, good produce and overall better selection.

Other improvements included the opening of the restaurant in 2013. The dining area has been a successful endeavor run by Lori’s son JK and his wife Mariah.

A small and cozy bar opened last year in the back of the restaurant with beer and wine. Lori installed a large TV screen so people could come for sports games.

‘The World Cup was insane,” said Lori with a laugh. “A lot of die-hard fans were here.”

Other improvements include an upcoming holiday section and home items like candles. The Southend also now has wine tasting events on every third Tuesday of the month.

“It’s really a hub for this part of the island,” said Lori. “People come here to meet and greet.”

Lori said islanders enjoy coming into the store not just to peruse the aisles but to chat with her friendly staff. The majority of staff at the store are female. There are five female employees and three male workers.

“The women work really well together and collaborate,” she said. “The guys work well together, too. Everyone is enthusiastic, hardworking and generous.”