KENOSEE LAKE - Allison’s Park Store at Kenosee Lake was founded and owned by Keith Allison in the 1960s, and it remained in the family until his passing.
Mark and Tracy Slykhuis became the owners a few years ago and this year the store will see some changes. The first shift is the name, and this was revealed last weekend with a bright new sign over the main doors.
The Beachin Lake Shoppe is located on the main beach at Kenosee Lake, and although some more changes will be made, they will be for the better.
One change is the manager. With the Slykhuises having a busy life with other businesses, they hired Sean Choo-Foo to run the store. Choo-Foo has been in the food and beverage industry for many years and this opportunity seemed to come along at the right place and the right time.
Born and raised in the Wawota area, Choo-Foo said that he and the Allisons were neighbours, and he knew them well.
When Choo-Foo completed high school, he went to Brandon for 2 1/2 years to receive his degree in hotel/restaurant hospitality tourism administration.
He has had a great deal of experience in this field which included being co-owner of the Bar Bar and Kenosee Gardens. He also did marketing for the Bear Claw Casino.
Choo-Foo was looking for a seasonal job as he wishes to go to the Philippines during the winter months to be with his fiancée Joyce.
He felt this was the perfect fit for him to be here six months during the summer months.
“The store will see a wide selection of fresh produce,” said Choo-Foo. “At compatible pricing.”
There will always be a selection of fresh meats of all kinds, including steaks, chicken and skewers to satisfy all the campers' needs.
The camping supplies will remain, and the fashion department will be taken care of by Tracey, which is a happy point for Choo-Foo. He said Tracey has great eye for clothing.
They hope to keep things on hand that campers or beach lovers may have forgotten.
The ice cream parlor side of things will remain. A wide variety of hard ice cream will be available during the sizzling summer months, while soft ice cream will be available the long weekend in May.
The hot food counter will continue to bring some hot snacks throughout the season, with the popular grilled cheese sandwich, taco in a bag, and macaroni and cheese.
A soft opening was planned for May 8, and after that the store will remain open seven days a week, with extended hours on long weekends and after mid-June, and go until the long weekend in September.
Choo-Foo is excited about this chapter in his life and is eager to get things rolling in this new adventure.
He hopes to see many old and fresh faces come through the doors at the Beachin Lake Shoppe in Kenosee Lake.
