HOLLAND TWP. — Side Door Party Store has been a staple in Holland for over 60 years, but current owner Kate You came on the scene in 2015.
Purchasing the store — nestled on the border of Holland Township and Park Township at 673 Douglas Ave. — was the culmination of years of patience for You, who emigrated to America from Korea with her husband.
Because of education visa rules, You wasn't allowed to work. She needed an employment visa, sponsored by an employer.
“It [was] very boring,” You said.
In the six-year period before she could work again, You volunteered, took ESL classes at a local school and baked bread. Eventually, she brought bread to the owners at Side Door Party Store.
She already knew them. They were also from Korea and ran in similar circles.
"She suggested to me: ‘Why don't you sell the bread at my store?’ Because, at the time, she had the deli,” You said.
She agreed, selling bread and working part-time. Then, because the owner was ready to retire and willing to sponsor her visa, You took on a full-time position.
The store's unique position along Ottawa Beach Road gives You an edge over the competition.
“Everybody [is] going to the beach, so many people are just wearing a swimsuit and cover-ups in the summer,” You said. “I see a lot of people coming in who are visiting.”
The store carries local wares, including Michigan-made wine, beer, seltzers and other liquors, plus Holland-made beer from New Holland Brewery and Big Lake Brewing.
“I love showing people the local section, it's fun to show people what's made just down the street,” You said.
During the pandemic, You felt a strong sense of community. People would come by to ask how she was doing.
“It made me feel so great that the community was looking out for me,” she said.
But COVID did force her to shut down the deli, once home to the locally famous "Manhandler" sandwich.
“It was hard during the pandemic, because no one was really coming to the store,” You said. “I don’t know when I can reopen the deli, but hopefully soon.”
In the meantime, You is grateful for the community.
“I am very, very thankful to my neighbors,” she said. “They're always very kind and have always supported me.”
Even in Side Door's “hardest season,” people showed up and shopped small.
“I can never thank my customers enough."
— Contact intern Abigail Shanley at abigailshanley@hotmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Kate You talks community and history at Side Door Party Store