A-Z’s FreshAir Fare, Pony Espresso reopening after fire [St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.]

Jan. 06--A four-alarm fire on Feb. 19 was quite a game changer for Jim Fly. The co-owner of A-Z's FreshAir Fare and Pony Espresso Organic lost his businesses when an electrical fire broke out in the space above the two storefronts in the 100 block of South Eighth Street.

Almost a year later, Mr. Fly has announced plans to reopen his health store. The popular Downtown coffee shop will also reopen, but under new ownership. A longtime employee, Nancy Goode, is purchasing the business.

While Pony Espresso could be open as soon as February, Mr. Fly's A-Z's FreshAir Fare might open a few months later. "We're not sure on the opening date yet," he said.

Following the fire, the city's health department required both stores to discard about $60,000 worth of inventory. Luckily, Pony Espresso escaped the more serious water damage, and much of the equipment was salvageable.

Mr. Fly, his wife and co-owner Connie Saxton, and Ms. Goode are awaiting the completion of work to the space above them. That portion of the building housed theater supplies for the Robidoux Resident Theatre and Missouri Theater. Work began a few days before Christmas, and Mr. Fly is unsure how long the process could take.

"Last year was a tough year (for the city)," he said. "The flood was a big focus for them. And dealing with their insurance company was a daunting task."

Business interruption insurance paid Mr. Fly and Ms. Saxton's salaries, along with two part-time employees. In the meantime, he has been doing as much as he can for his customers.

"I'm doing some personal shopping for items that can't be found in St. Joe," he said.

He also has completed his certification with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and is officially a health coach. It is something he hopes he can focus on in his new store.

"The fire has helped us re-evaluate what we're doing here," he said. "It won't be the same A-Z."

The store will carry its own private label goods and Tree of Life products, which aren't found anywhere in the area. "We don't want to just sell vitamins and supplements, but also focus on (health) education," he said.

The new A-Z will have a lot of earth tones, natural woods, candles and peaceful music. A place of relaxation, he said.

Since the Pony Espresso had a local following, Mr. Fly doesn't anticipate too many changes there. "An independent coffee shop is different (than a chain coffee shop)," he said. "It's more of a European shop, where people gather to discuss their thoughts and politics."

Jennifer Hall can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @SJNPHall.

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