MOSES LAKE - Ron and Maria Pennington recently opened Mama's Mountain Fresh Deli at Penn Plaza in Moses Lake.

The couple sold their Exxon station last year and opened their deli earlier this month in the former "1-2-3 Fit" location.

Maria describes their new business as a convenience store without gas.

Their menu lists take-and-bake pizzas, chicken, salads, sandwiches, wraps, Mexican dishes and breakfast. The deli also offers an eating area for customers.

Many people know Maria as "mama" from Mama's Exxon on Patton Boulevard.

She only has one child of her own and loves children, she explained.

Neighborhood kids would call her mama because she used to feed them and take an interest in their lives.

There are even photos of some of the kids posted on a bulletin board at the new deli.

She realizes she is blessed with having many friends through her work.

The business buys produce locally and purchases the remaining food from a Seattle wholesaler.

Working with the wholesaler allows Maria to create her own menus. They plan to add a salad bar, ATM, lotto and more ice cream choices.

"This is new for us," Maria said.

The business has two full-time employees and four part-time employees.

As business increases, she expects to add more workers.

Business has been slow, but she is optimistic about the future.

She's seeing some former customers at the new business.

"Hello, how are you?" Maria calls to two customers during the interview.

The couple has made many changes to the location, to accommodate the new kitchen, pop fountain and walk-in freezer.

Ron says business is going "pretty good."

"In two weeks, we're not close to our goal, but we're getting there," he said.

By the end of the year, Maria wants to paint a patriotic theme on the wall.

"That's my goal, because I love America," she said.

She's very patriotic, as her husband is a retired military member.

She appreciates what the country has to offer.

Maria moved to the U.S. from Bolivia 25 years ago.

"I think this country opened its arms for me and I should respect the way it is," Maria said.

The couple sent boxes of food to American soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They have photos of military members posted on their bulletin board inside the business.

The deli is located at Penn Plaza, 1035 N. Stratford Rd., suite G, Moses Lake.

For more information, call 509-766-6399.