Village Market changes ownership

There’s an old adage among small business owners that for the right price every business is for sale. During a pandemic, it might even be more true. For owners Greg and Nataliya Dixon, the Village Market was not for sale or listed among businesses even thinking about selling. Village Market changes ownership

It is not known what prompted Sami Abdulnour of Porterville to make an offer to purchase the Dixons’ grocery store last month. Village Market is the longest continually operating business owned by the same family in Three Rivers. Vern Dixon, Greg’s father, opened the market inn 1950. Village Market changes ownership

Abdulnour is currently a principal partner in the busy Chevron gas station at Spruce Avenue and Highway 65, south of Exeter. Sami’s daughter Jessica, 23, and son Fadi, 21, will be working full-time to learn all the subtleties of operating a full-service grocery in a tourist economy. Fadi said the family came to Porterville in 2016 after emigrating from Syria.

The new family owners said there will be some general merchandise items added, but essentially the Village Market will be unchanged and retain all employees who want to stay on. Nataliya Dixon will reportedly stay on as well.

 The sale becomes official on November 27. The purchase price was not disclosed.