Cleone Grocery

Overview

Cleone Grocery at 24400 N. Highway 1 is one of those longtime roadside businesses that became a local landmark through everyday use.

For generations, residents, travelers and campers have stopped here for groceries, snacks, drinks, gasoline and supplies before continuing north along Highway 1.

With the campground behind the store and MacKerricher State Park nearby, the business developed into more than a neighborhood market. It became a familiar highway stop and supply point for people living, camping and traveling north of Fort Bragg.

For many regular customers, Cleone Grocery also became closely associated with Roger, to the point that some simply referred to the store as “Roger’s.”

Location

Cleone Grocery is at 24400 N. Highway 1 in Cleone, immediately north of Fort Bragg.

Its location placed it directly on the route toward MacKerricher State Park, Ward Avenue, Ten Mile and other destinations farther north.

Nearby campgrounds, beaches and residential areas gave the store a steady mix of local customers, campers and travelers.

History

The exact beginnings of Cleone Grocery still need further documentation, but community memories establish that the market was operating by the early 1960s and possibly earlier.

One contributor, born in 1953 and raised in Cleone, said he could not remember Cleone Grocery ever not being there.

He also recalled hearing from a childhood friend whose parents bought the market in April 1964. The father was remembered as Kenny.

Because that ownership date comes from family and community recollection rather than a record supplied with the discussion, it remains part of the oral history rather than a confirmed ownership date.

Later generations strongly associate the business with Roger and his family.

Roger became such a familiar presence that regular customers often identified the store with him personally. One nearby resident praised the work required to keep the small market stocked and operating.

Over the years, the grocery, fuel service and campground became closely connected parts of the property. Campers could stay nearby while having groceries, fuel and basic supplies within easy reach, while local residents had a convenient neighborhood market without driving into Fort Bragg.

That combination helped make Cleone Grocery one of the most familiar roadside businesses on this stretch of Highway 1.

The property and neighboring buildings have changed over the years, but the basic identity of Cleone Grocery has remained remarkably consistent.

Community Memories

The comments show how strongly Cleone Grocery is tied to everyday life in Cleone.

One nearby resident described it as “the best market in the world” and praised Roger and his crew for keeping it stocked and running.

Another regular called it a “home away from home” and said he saw Roger and the crew nearly every day.

Others simply remembered the store and the surrounding Cleone area with affection.

One contributor recalled that Ward Avenue was once known as Cleone Acres and that Mill Creek was once called John Hyman Road, preserving another piece of local Cleone history.

Another remembered nearby Hidden Pines Campground and the little store there, along with time spent at Leisure Time on Highway 20.

Camping remains a strong part of the memories connected with Cleone Grocery. One contributor said she had been camping there since the 1990s and still considered it a great place.

One commenter also noted how good the old house next door looked after being remodeled.

A smaller detail captures the store’s character especially well: one customer said there was always a pretty good chance a San Francisco Giants baseball game would be playing on the radio when you walked inside.

Those are the kinds of everyday details that turn a business into a remembered place.

Timeline

Early 1960s or Earlier — Community memories place Cleone Grocery in operation by this period.

April 1964 — According to a community recollection, the parents of a local resident’s childhood friend purchased the market at this time. The father was remembered as Kenny.

1990s — Community members remember camping at Cleone and regularly using the grocery during their stays.

Present Day — Cleone Grocery remains a familiar neighborhood market, roadside stop and campground-related business north of Fort Bragg.

Why It Matters

Cleone Grocery matters because it represents the everyday side of local history.

People stopped for gasoline, bought groceries, picked up camping supplies, listened to Giants games on the radio and visited people behind the counter whom they knew by name.

None of those moments seemed historic when they happened.

Together, they became the history of the place.

Cleone Grocery also reflects the importance of small independent businesses along the Mendocino Coast. It has served residents, campers and travelers passing north along Highway 1 while remaining closely connected to the people who operate it.

When customers begin calling a business by the owner’s name, it has moved beyond being just another store.

For many people, Cleone Grocery became part of the geography of home.