When Dave Sakrison opened Dave’s Corner Market in 1983 he added espresso drinks to his offerings because Moab wasn’t known for its coffee in those days, said his daughter Chelsea Birdwell, who now runs the market with her husband Drew.

“There was no good place for espresso at the time,” Birdwell recalled. “Dad bought an espresso machine and good coffee. Although there are now tons of places, I think we still have the lowest coffee prices in town.”

Over the years the neighborhood market, at 401 S Mill Creek Drive, has been a place where people can pick up a few staples like milk and eggs, without having to venture onto Main Street or to City Market. The store also sells baked goods from Moab’s Red Rock Bakery – such as scones, muffins and cookies.

You’ll also find kombucha, natural sodas, juices and beer, as well as energy bars for to quickly grab before going off on your next adventure.

“We’re trying to bring in more natural products and cater to people who come here to recreate,” Birdwell said.

A few years ago, the store made an agreement with the owner of Milt’s Stop and Eat, the vintage diner across the street, where, on the days Milt’s is open, it makes breakfast burritos for Dave’s Corner Market.

“They’ve been really popular - we sell out,” Birdwell said.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, customers would gather for coffee and conversation at a table indoors. While people no longer linger inside, they often sit and chat on benches outside the shop.

The Birdwells have diversified the store to include more nonfood items such as jewelry, hats, stickers, and items from Nepal. Moab resident Bill Winfield travels to South Asia every year where he works with an organization called “Changing Lives Nepal.” He brings back Nepali-handcrafted items to sell in the store, proceeds of which go back to the organization to help women and orphans.

Grace  Birdwell with local “art coach” Bruce Hucko

Additionally, Dave’s Corner Market stocks local artists’ work, including the postcards, prints and calendars of Serena Supplee. While tourism is important, the shop has a steady local clientele which has allowed the business to retain its four employees year-round, Birdwell said.

La Dueña Mexican Kitchen food truck parked in the adjacent lot is another new addition to the property.

The Birdwell’s 12-year-old daughter Grace added her own artwork to the shop with the December installation of a new three-panel mural on a side of the building (there was already a mural on the backside of the store) With the help of local “art coach” Bruce Hucko, Grace created a desert scene with sego lilies, yucca, and mountains in the background.

“We’re small, trying to live that dream and continue my dad’s legacy, to provide that corner store,” Birdwell said.
Dave’s Corner Market is open daily, from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Summer hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m.