Wanda Cox Byerley was all smiles after shopping at Maynardville's newest business, Serena's Surplus & Salvage located at 1402 Maynardville Highway near Little D's. “I even got back change,“ exclaimed Ms. Byerley.

Serena Bunch and Anthony Netherton look to help the strained pocketbooks of Union County citizens by offering non-perishable groceries at a discount. The neat, freshly stocked store, offers a variety of items that include soup, crackers, some canned goods, loads of paper products, toys, some small appliances, many familiar kinds of dry cereal, and several brands of candy and chocolate at really thrifty prices. Cadie Chapelle has decorated the windows with a patriotic theme. Currently, the store only takes cash, no credit cards.

Serena commented that items will vary depending on what is available. Anthony said that there may be a slightly bent can occasionally or a package with a piece of tape. But both agreed that all food items are completely safe. Said Anthony as he chatted with a customer who was purchasing a name brand soup, “ I would not be afraid to eat any of the food or use any of the products.”

Serena's Surplus & Salvage came into existence when Serena's husband passed away suddenly from a job accident and left her with four small children to raise and little means of support. “My husband and I had dreamed of opening our own store," recalled Serena. Some time passed and Serena met Anthony who had worked in Claiborne County and is from this area.

When Serena bought her home in Hinds Creek, she hunted around Maynardville for a discount grocery. Realizing no discount grocery existed, Anthony and she seized the opportunity to fulfill her dream. So he and she combined their skills and founded Serena's Surplus & Salvage. Both work in all aspects of the business. Anthony and the children will even help carry the groceries to your car.

“We want to carry whatever the people need and we can locate. If you don't find it on the shelf, let us know,” commented Anthony.

“We love it here,“ offered Serena.

Serena's Surplus and Salvage is located at 1402 Maynardville Hwy. Hours are Wednesday-Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm. Stop by. They even have Godiva chocolate at a discount!