Port Madison Enterprises (PME) of Suquamish is busy upgrading and expanding its mini chain of mini-marts.

The Masi Shop, located on SR 305 a.m.le west of the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, is the first of the three convenience markets/gas stations owned by PME to undergo the makeover process and the results are dramatic.

“This is a statement we want to make to our community and neighbors on the Peninsula,” said Russell Steele, CEO of Port Madison Enterprises, which is the business arm of the Suquamish Tribe. “After the Casino, the Masi Shop is our most visible property. We want it to make a great impression.”

The new Masi Shop includes a sit down espresso/coffee bar and drive-thru as well as a separate liquor sales area. Ten more gasoline pumps have been added with new underground tanks that double the amount of gas that can be stored on site.

The new Masi Shop is built around and connected to an existing building that houses PME’s training center and retail offices. It is located just west of the original store.

Poulsbo general contractor Tim Ryan Construction built the new structure. The Masi Shop is TRC’s first project for PME.

“We have completed six major projects for the Suquamish Tribe in the last few years,” stated Dan Ryan. “The impact the construction spending of PME and the Suquamish Tribe has on the local economy is tremendous. Their ongoing construction programs have helped keep a lot of people working in these difficult times.”

The new store’s design pays homage to Northwest traditional construction with peeled and carved log columns supporting the entry portico. The logs came to the site peeled and were hand carved with a chainsaw carved by TRC employee Dan Sullivan of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe.

The Masi Shop opened January 14, and is already proving to be a valuable investment for PME.

“All our sales are up,” said Russell Steele. “Our prepared food sales have exceeded our expectations, coffee sales are increasing, and we are selling more gas than before.”

The architect for the project was DHB Associates of Bainbridge Island.

PME is a corporation owned and by the Suquamish Tribe on the northern shores of the Kitsap Peninsula. Businesses operated by PME include Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, the historic Kiana Lodge, Liberty Bay Excavating and several retail outlets.

With 766 employees working in fields ranging from hospitality to information technology, the tribal corporation is fast becoming one of the largest employers in the area.