I sense a theme forming here. Small, independent, neighborhood grocery stores are getting my undivided attention these days, so as not to abuse the genre, this will be the last in my unintentional "series" for a while.

It's clear these little stores fascinate me and wield more power than you might think. Rumor has it that one of my recent subjects put their three kids through private school on a neighborhood market income. I would consider that pretty impressive.

I had to ask myself though, why don't I shop at these stores? Well, I don't drink soda, smoke or snack on junk food too often, but if I had one within a short walking distance of my house, you bet your britches I would. I can't tell you how many times I have had to run to the store for JUST a stick of butter or a carton of milk. And of course, there's beer.

The neighborhood that is lucky enough to have King's Deli and Grocery at the corner of South Third and Tacoma Avenue knows what I mean. Much like last week's The Corner Store, King's is your typical Korean owned market that carries just enough of everything. But there are a few differences that make shopping there interesting.

You really don't expect to find many healthy choices at a store such as this, but I came across an actual Healthy Choice frozen entrée! Also, there are light versions of Progresso soups and several bag-o-nuts choices when looking for something healthy and non-chippy to munch on.

Fashion? Here? You bet! If I hadn't for got my wallet, I would have whipped out a 10 spot for this kicky little distressed looking and bedazzled military ball hat. Who doesn't have a bug encased in glowing resin as a necklace? I do! I really do and you can get one at King's hanging above the cash register. Seriously, I really do and I love mine.

Customer service seems to be paramount at King's. I noticed the clerk quickly run back to the refrigerated beer and whip out an 18 pack of Milwaukee's Best so the customer didn't have to. Then I noticed the customer. She was either in her 70s or life had been a bit hard. It was 9:20 in the morning when she bought the beer so you do the math.

While this made be sad, she left with a smile on her face. And so did the guy that walked out of the special section, around the corner in the back. You guessed it - porn. Toss in a tasty looking Oven Pride Polish sausage stuffed in French bread and a bottle of Waterbrook Chardonnay and that's a good evening.

King's Deli and Grocery

326 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma
253.627.5476