The building still slopes to the left, the floors still creak and a century later Johnny’s Store still smells of the original wood floors. But now there’s plumbing — and plans for a wine bar.In 2021, siblings Brendan and Julie-Ann McNeilly were about to sell Johnny’s Store, Alberta’s oldest general store (built in 1902). They inherited the Namao landmark after their father’s death in 2020. Both were busy in professional careers and hadn’t expected to deal with the store that has been in their family since 1931. It had been rented, vacant, put up for sale. But when they received an offer, “we both called each other and said we didn’t want to give it up,” Julie-Ann says. “It just didn’t feel right.”

When the unexpected loss of their father in 2020 left them with the responsibility of a cherished family property in Namao, siblings Brendan and Julie-Ann McNeilly faced a pivotal decision. With their hearts rooted in the history of the family store they decided to breathe new life into it, reviving its legacy. “Growing up, we saw our grandma run the store and witnessed how important it was to everyone. We knew we had to carry that torch,” says Julie-Ann. “Brendan and I had been looking for a chance to go into business together, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to continue our family’s story.”

It’s surely a bucket-list spot to stop while on the road in Alberta, and the oldest general store in the province has opened its doors once again.Located in the hamlet of Namao in central Alberta, the store has been standing since 1902 and had previously been closed for a number of years.It opened yesterday and invites customers to “grab a coffee, sandwich, snack or cozy up at the bar for a pint of local beer or a nice wine or spirit.”Namao — It’s a brisk, bright autumn morning when Julie-Ann McNeilly comes barrelling down a dirt road, steps out of her van and dives deep into the history of Johnny’s Store.Article contentBuilt in 1902, the shop is believed to be one of the oldest in Alberta and has long served as a gathering spot in the hamlet of Namao, just north of Edmonton. At one time, it also housed a post office, and McNeilly’s grandmother worked as one of Alberta’s first postmistresses.Article contentArticle contentAdvertisement 1Story continues below

Namao — It’s a brisk, bright autumn morning when Julie-Ann McNeilly comes barrelling down a dirt road, steps out of her van and dives deep into the history of Johnny’s Store.Article contentBuilt in 1902, the shop is believed to be one of the oldest in Alberta and has long served as a gathering spot in the hamlet of Namao, just north of Edmonton. At one time, it also housed a post office, and McNeilly’s grandmother worked as one of Alberta’s first postmistresses.Article contentArticle contentAdvertisement 1Story continues below

It's a brisk, bright autumn morning when Julie-Ann McNeilly comes barrelling down a dirt road, steps out of her van and dives deep into the history of Johnny's Store.Built in 1902, the shop is believed to be one of the oldest in Alberta and has long served as a gathering spot in the hamlet of Namao, just north of Edmonton. At one time, it also housed a post office, and McNeilly's grandmother worked as one of Alberta's first postmistresses.Its ownership changed hands a few times, she says. Her family took possession in the 1930s, after her great-uncle became shopkeeper.