Founder’s Mercantile, located in the white-walled 1935 historical house on Battle Ground Main Street, has become a popular social hangout in the past year.
For her business’s first anniversary, owner Tania Scruggs reminisced on the founding of her store, which has expanded beyond her initial vision when it opened a year ago, on Jan. 14.
“What I originally thought would be a vintage store ended up being a coffee shop,” Scruggs said. “It’s really turned into more of a cafe.”
Business planning for Founder’s Mercantile began many years ago, Scruggs said. She and her friends dreamed of running a store together. Her friends opened their own businesses, while Scruggs continued with her own dream.
The 1935 historic house caught Scrugg’s attention two years ago as she began looking at properties. Scruggs named the building Founder’s Mercantile in honor of honorary city founder and merchant Peter Onsdorff and the modern businesses that would be working within the new store.
Scruggs considered public opinion during Founder’s Mercantile business planning. She asked locals what they wanted to have in Battle Ground. Many expressed a desire for a local coffee shop and hangout for small gatherings catered toward businesses.
When it opened, the store included a small coffee shop, cafe, shopping and rental spaces. The store included ample seating, as well, for customers who did not need a private space.
The highlight of owning Founder’s Mercantile has been the community, Scruggs said.
“What I love is the community up and down Main Street,” Scruggs said. “We’re all a little bit different and happy for each other.”
This year, Scruggs plans to expand the outdoor entertainment area. Electrical outlets are being installed to provide electricity for the outdoor market, which will return in June. She has also received permission to have a large outdoor mural painted on Andersen Dairy’s wall, which faces the store.
Founder’s Mercantile will celebrate its first anniversary with raffles and free food samples on Jan. 17 during regular store hours. The store, open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, is located at 317 E. Main St., Battle Ground. For more information, visit foundersnw.com or call (360) 369-6904.
