Inside Cowlitz Crossing

RIDGEFIELD, Wash. — The Cowlitz Crossing convenience store opened in April as an amenity to the Ilani Gaming Complex in Ridgefield, Wash. The 5,500-square-foot store includes unique canopy and facade designs; local foodservice, products and decor; a tall, arched ceiling and large fans; and a loyalty program tied to a larger casino and entertainment complex. Here's a look inside the store owned by the Cowlitz Tribe, a Longview, Wash.-based group of about 2,000 Indian members ...

An arched ceiling aims to match the grand experience of the arena-sized entertainment center in the nearby Ilani casino complex. The natural wood is a reminder of the forest of the great Northwest.

A sasquatch figure stands guard at the entrance while encouraging social-media engagement. The in-house Bigfoot encourages customers to post selfies taken in the store on social media with the hashtag #freshfoodfast. A gas giveaway carries over the spirit of luck from the nearby casino. And ice cream from Portland, Ore.-based Ruby Jewel is “crafted in the Northwest” and is just one of several products offered at Cowlitz Crossing that is made locally.

Center-store aisles are capped by wine, automotive and general merchandise products. The cold vault includes 13 beverage doors and two for frozen foods and ice. And a custom-made beer-cave sign features a barrel with bottles protruding from it.

The Refuel corner of the store includes self-serve coffee and fountain options, as well as kiosk ordering from the deli. The coffee offer is provided by Raindrop Coffee Roasters, based in Ridgefield, Wash. Two Pepsi Spire fountains offer hundreds of potential drink creations.

Ilani-branded wine is made locally by Maryhill Winery and displayed in shelving made from an authentic Northwest canoe.

Click here to read more about Cowlitz Crossing.