The building still slopes to the left, the floors still creak and a century later Johnny’s Store still smells of the original wood floors. But now there’s plumbing — and plans for a wine bar.
In 2021, siblings Brendan and Julie-Ann McNeilly were about to sell Johnny’s Store, Alberta’s oldest general store (built in 1902). They inherited the Namao landmark after their father’s death in 2020. Both were busy in professional careers and hadn’t expected to deal with the store that has been in their family since 1931. It had been rented, vacant, put up for sale. But when they received an offer, “we both called each other and said we didn’t want to give it up,” Julie-Ann says. “It just didn’t feel right.”
She hears stories and memories from all kinds of folks who stop in. It might be about “Red,” their great-uncle Robert McNeilly with the flaming red hair, who served up sausages with his two-foot-long knife. Or they recall the selection of penny candies, or when they used to stop by for VHS rentals. “It’s got so much history, lots of love, and we thought we could breathe some life into the place,” says Julie-Ann.
The Namao area has seen an influx of young families relocating from the city — Johnny’s gives them a place to shop and gather, and even grab a beer, instead of heading into Edmonton. The bar at the back (also a liquor store) focuses on local craft beers, international wines, and spirits from Alberta and abroad.
The curated wine selection and craft beer on tap have been a huge boon for the store, making it a destination drinking hole outside Edmonton. Specialty liquors and zero-proof drinks, like Token Bitters, Strathcona Spirits and Favuzzi beverages, are available to enjoy in-store or for purchase. This summer, the McNeillys plan to add a patio to serve beer and their expanded menu.
The new kitchen serves baked goodies for the coffee bar crowd, plus a rotating daily offering of specialty sandwiches (the classic PB & Johnny’s Jam sandwiches are a hit with kids and parents).
Johnny’s Store has always been a community gathering place as it is now. People would come for their news, post and provisions, and to hear what was happening in the Namao area. The McNeillys’ grandma, Ollie, ran the business of the place and their grandpa, John, was the greeter with a big, booming laugh.
Julie-Ann recalls that officials from Fort Edmonton would call to see if they could purchase and move the store to the park for display.
Unsure of how to deal with the property, the siblings used their business backgrounds to restore, renovate and create a new general store within the old space. They’ve made their own line of goods and provisions, and stock a curated selection of locally sourced supplies. Candles, bubble bath, handmade jewellery, Johnny’s branded clothing and hats, coffee, tea, paper goods, pottery and accessories have been sourced from makers across Canada.
During the two-year renovation, the siblings worked with family and friends to take the space down to the 102-year-old floorboards, keeping as much of the original material and finishing as possible — including the storefront sign. Washrooms were installed and the office was converted to a small kitchen. Until the work started, the store had never had indoor plumbing.
Throughout the time the floors were being sanded and countertops installed, those who assisted kept commenting on the good vibes. “It was like grandma and grandpa were helping us out,” says Julie-Ann.
Treasures found in the shed, garage and basement were repurposed. Original furniture and signage are still in the store, all on display.
“We had this awkward space that was just tough to access when we were working on the plumbing — it looked like we needed a special S-shaped wrench. So we go out into the shed and it’s there,” Julie-Ann says, “Then we’re building a bar and we need a mirror, I’m looking online and trying to figure out how I make an old-looking mirror, then my brother comes out of the shed and brings a beautiful antique mirror for above the bar.”
Family history lives on in the space — their Aunt Peggy was born on the premises and several family members worked or helped out there over the last 75 years.
“The world needs a place like this,” Julie-Ann says. “We need human interaction. It’s the nicest just having the store open so people in the community can come sit down. Then they run into their neighbours, then more people are sitting down to join, and before you know it the coffee nook is full of friends.”
This article appears in the April 2025 issue of Edify
