Since the beginning of June, Jensen’s Market in Wrightwood has become Wrightwood Fine Foods due to new ownership. Mike Atallah and his brothers have purchased the Wrightwood location with two other Jenson’s branches in nearby Running Springs and Cedar Glen. The family business includes Fraizer Park Market, Lone Pine Market, Bishop Beverage Center, and Idyllwild Village Market. With an impressive resume of owning small, rural mountain town grocery stores and beverage marts, Atallah is no stranger to operating a local business. I sat down with Mike to ask how Wrightwood differs from owning markets in other towns. His response: “Not at all different. But the community in [this] town is very connected, and we love that!”

As the newest business owners in Wrightwood, the Atallahs understand that the community may have been nervous or concerned about how things will change, but Mike ensured that they are there to improve the market and fix things. One of the biggest additions has been the water refill station. This is a popular feature since Wrightwood has some of the hardest water in the area, and residents no longer have to drive to Phelan to fill up on fresh, filtered H2O. Another product offered is Lotto tickets, where you can take a chance at winning millions (and occasionally billions) of dollars. Mike mentioned he has some big plans in the works and hopes to implement even more new surprises soon. As the manager, he’s also hard at work keeping the shelves full and filling requests for items that patrons have specified. “Anything I get asked, I do it right away,” said Mike, pulling out a large stack of paper with requested items from Wrightwood shoppers. He mentioned that, for now, there are no plans to hire a manager. He feels confident that he can take that role on himself while getting a lot of help from his all-star team of approx. thirty employees, only 3 of which are new hires. On top of being the manager and owner, Mike is also a new resident of Wrightwood and moved to town in February of 2023. As a resident and business owner, he’s highly invested in the community and has even donated to some of Wrightwood’s distinguished events, like Music in the Pines. “I’m here, ready to support any activity in the town,” said Mike. The Atallahs are thankful for everyone who has come to shop at the market, especially the other local businesses in Wrightwood, who have been super supportive during their time of transition. Mike emphasized that he’s committed to making Wrightwood Fine Foods an all-inclusive and welcoming space saying, “I want everyone to feel comfortable to come to the market. Customer service is always first. It’s their market, not ours.”