About Edna’s

Welcome to our Website. We are the Seemann family, Doug, Allison, and Danielle. We are the proud owners of Edna’s Market located in Bristoville, Ohio. If you live in Bristol or the surrounding communities, you know that our store was once named Cook’s Market, until 2004. Our family was fortunate to purchase and reopen the same store in 2008. Below is a brief history of the store for the past 50 years.

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Edna’s Market brings back the tradition of the family run grocery store to Bristol and features gas pumps, a Deli with hot prepared foods, produce, dairy products, a full line of fresh cut meats, lots of frozen products, beer, wine, and groceries. Together, with my daughters Danielle and Allison, we are bringing Bristol a clean, refreshing, and fun place to shop again.

The tradition of the family operated grocery store in Bristol was started in 1952 by Herman and Elsie Cook. Their store always had quality foods at a value, and great customer service. Cook’s Market started at the corner of State Route 45 and State Route 88. The business prospered and in 1957, when State Route 45 was widened, the Market was moved to its present location on the East side of Route 45 approximately ¼ mile South of Route 88. In 1974 Kevin Cook, Herman and Elsie’s oldest son, formed a partnership with his brother-in-law John Kassan to own and operate the store.

Again the business prospered and in 1976 the building was doubled in size. In 1985 John and Kevin purchased a seconded grocery store in Mecca, Ohio and ran both stores as Cook’s Markets. For over a decade Cook’s Markets were this areas only grocery stores and earned the reputation of always having a clean bright atmosphere with great customer service. In 1998 Kevin and John decided to retire and sold the stores. Three years ago Kevin was given the opportunity to reopen the Mecca store. During that time John Kassan had sadly passed away and as a tribute to his friend and partner the Mecca store was named JAK’s, John Kassan’s initials.

Today Kevin, John’s daughter Jennifer Simmions, Kevin’s son Travis, and Jack Rowland operate the store in Mecca. I want to thank Kevin, and his family for the opportunity to purchase the Cook’s Market building and start Edna’s Market. Kevin, Jennifer, Travis, and Jack have been very generous with their time and advice. Without their help Edna’s Market might not have become a reality.
Why the name change to Edna’s Market? It is a tribute to my mother who passed away several years ago. Mom was born and raised in Bristol and she loved this town. She always talked about how blessed we were to live in Bristol and she showed her commitment to Bristol by being a Sunday School teacher, a Cub Scout leader, a Girl Scout leader, and along with my father Bill, a business owner. My parents owned Bristolville Hardware and The Old Postal House restaurant.

I grew up in those businesses, surrounded by my parents, being taught the lessons of management and how to always treat customers with respect and dignity.

Mom always quoted her father, Edward Messick, “Treat a customer right and they will come back ten times.” My Grandfather Ed was also a business owner, he owned the Ford Motorcar Dealership in Bristol until 1955. I guess owning a local business rubbed off on me because I owned and operated Pizza Express in Bristol for 16 years.

I try to live up to the business and life lessons taught to me by my Mother and Father every day. My family and I consider it a privilege and honor to reopen and operate the former Cook’s Market as the new Edna’s Market. We look forward to serving you!