Penny Saver Mart at 2140 E. Sims Way has been in the same family for more than 40 years — until March 1, when it was purchased by the owners of the Four Corners Grocery Store.

Roger and Cindy Ramey could still be found working the counter at the beloved Penny Saver Mart on Monday, March 3.

“We agreed to stay on for the next couple of weeks, to make sure they’ve got everything up and running,” Roger Ramey said. “One of the biggest things has just been getting the utilities switched over.”

Ramey said he and his wife began speaking with the Four Corners store owners in November about the potential sale of the Penny Saver Mart as  other life considerations arose.

“My mom took a fall not too long ago,” Ramey said. “She’s 94 years old, and still living in an apartment by herself in California. Port Townsend will still be our home, and she’s not moving up here from California, since that’s where all her friends are at. But we’d like to take a trip down there to help take care of her needs, and this gives us the time to do that.”

Ramey has been dealing with Four Corners’ Roy Marok, whom he noted “owns another store in Puyallup.” They have received assurances that “they’re not going to change anything,” and will retain all current employees, including Ramey’s son, Scott, and his grandson.

Marok agreed that he’s not looking to change anything about the Penny Saver, as he noted that the only employee change will involve trying to fill the big shoes left behind by Roger and Cindy Ramey.

“They were working a little more than full-time hours, so we’ll need to hire more people,” Marok said. “But no, we’re not letting go of any of the existing employees.”

Marok attributed much of his interest in the Penny Saver to the positive word of mouth it had received from his employees at the Four Corners store.

“Everyone in my store staff there had really fond childhood memories of the food they serve at the Penny Saver,” Marok said. “Their sandwiches are really awesome, so we’ll be sure to keep that legacy going. If you’ve been coming to the Penny Saver, we want you to know that this is still your store. And if anyone out there has any recommendations or suggestions, our ears are open.”

Ramey declined to disclose the amount of the sale. He emphasized how much he’s enjoyed serving the Penny Saver Mart’s customers over the years. “I actually enjoyed waiting on our customers, and I appreciate them for keeping us in business.”

“We still own the property,” Ramey said. “The owners of the Four Corners store know the business, and this gives us the time to take care of our other needs. After 43 years, we figured it was about time.”