History of Johnny's Store

On a crisp, sunny autumn morning, Julie-Ann McNeilly pulls up on a dirt road. She steps out of her van, ready to dive into the deep and intriguing history of Johnny's Store, a beloved landmark in the hamlet of Namao, just north of Edmonton, Alberta.

Originally built in 1902, Johnny's Store is one of Alberta's oldest general stores and has served as a community gathering place for over a century. The store, which once housed a post office, is steeped in family history; Julie-Ann’s grandmother was one of Alberta's first postmistresses. The store has witnessed many ownership changes, but it was in the 1930s that it came into Julie-Ann's family, after her great-uncle took over as the shopkeeper.

"My grandpa bought it in 1949 and named it Johnny’s Store after himself," she explained, proudly. "We decided to keep the name because it's a part of our family legacy and everyone knows it as Johnny’s Store."

Reopening After Closure

After closing its doors in 2018 and briefly serving as a craft market, the store is set to reopen by November 28, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Julie-Ann and her brother Brendan. The revitalized shop will offer classic general store essentials, a cozy coffee shop, and a well-stocked bar featuring Johnny's own light lager on tap.

Inspiration Behind the Revival

The inspiration to revive the store emerged after the passing of Julie-Ann’s father in 2020. Although the store was on the market, selling it didn’t sit right with them, especially after receiving an offer. “We grew up coming here for ice cream and being part of the community,” Julie-Ann shared. “Keeping that legacy alive is incredibly important to us.”

Renovation Journey

Renovating Johnny’s has been a labor of love, as they strived to honor the store’s historical essence while incorporating modern conveniences. During renovations, they uncovered stunning early 1900s barn boards beneath layers of peeling wallpaper, and the antique decor that lines the walls tells tales of its rich history.

Cultural Significance

"The design reflects its era. The sloped floors and the iconic white facade adorned with round Coca-Cola signs have even caught the attention of filmmakers," Julie-Ann noted. Notably, it was featured in the 2003 TV movie "Fargo," directed by American actress Kathy Bates, as well as in the Canadian series "Blackstone." To McNeilly's surprise, the store also appeared in the 2014 crime drama, “Cut Bank,” starring Liam Hemsworth and Billy Bob Thornton.

A Personal Journey

With no outside help, restoring this treasure has been deeply personal for the siblings. Julie-Ann, who left Edmonton two decades ago, has found herself back home, working on the project alongside Brendan. Their partnership throughout this journey has strengthened their bond.

“There hasn’t been a single day where we haven’t felt happy coming here,” Julie-Ann expressed. “It all feels incredibly special, like everything is coming together for a reason.”

Community Anticipation

As the opening day approaches, excitement is mounting in the community. Johnny’s Store isn’t just a store; it’s a historical landmark reborn, eager to serve the community with warmth and tradition once again. Stay tuned—this nostalgic gem is about to unveil its treasures!