Fast Facts 

Enjoy an evening of great food and smooth jazz by Bubba Ramey while helping raise funs for Dan Sallia’s medical expenses. The community volunteer and non-profit worker began his battle with cancer last August. He needs over $8,000 to continue his treatments. A benefit dinner scheduled for 6:30 on May12, at the SLO Elks Lodge, will feature cuisine from Dan’s favorite restaurant, The Hitching Post of Casmalia. After 8:30 p.m., dance to the music of Nothing New, a local band that performs tunes from 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Tickets are $100 per person. For more info call 544-2043.
 
Step inside Edna Valley Market at the intersection of Broad Street and Tank Farm road to experience the height of convenience store shopping. From the espresso bar to the gourmet eatery, this is not your parent’s gas station and grocery stop. “We developed this market to provide all the amenities of a convenience store and the upscale items that will appeal to our neighborhood customers,� says Deron Brewer, Edna Valley Market owner. “Our deli and grocery items appeal to the construction worker as well as the soccer mom and business owner.� Edna Valley Market was recently featured in Convenience Store News, a national publication, as its store of the month. For more info call 543-1222.
 
A lot of time and planning went into the making of Kelly’s Casuals in the Atascadero Outlet Mall, and the efforts paid off when the boutique opened its doors on April 1, no kidding. A scrumptious barbecue from Ralph’s Custom Meats and raffle tickets for gifts from shops at the Atascadero Outlet will be available at the April 22-23 grand opening. “We are a moderately-priced, contemporary, missy fashion store,� says store owner Kelly Long, a third-generation county resident. “After working for Casual Corner for eight years, I decided it was time to open my own store.� For more info call 461-1800.  ∆

Staff writer Karen Velie compiled this weeks Strokes and Plugs. Send your business news to [email protected].