Page 20 - 03_April-2025

BRENDAN AND
JULIE-ANN
MCNEILLY
The Namao area has seen an influx of young families relo-
cating 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
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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.” ED.