GUSTINE — A new family‑owned shop has opened its doors in downtown Gustine, adding another small business to the city’s Main Street corridor. Fernandez Thrift Store, located at 436 Fifth Street, is now welcoming customers in search of antiques, furniture, appliances, glassware, games and other secondhand finds.

Kevin Fernandez, who helps run the shop, said the business is a fresh start for his family after challenges with a previous location. Their former building closed, was later damaged in a fire and eventually torn down, prompting the family to look for a new place to rebuild.

“We wanted to take a step back and start with the downtown again,” Fernandez said. “The downtown kind of brought our attention. It’s close to City Hall, and there are also yearly parades that would help us out. The location was really what helped us decide.”

Inside the store, shelves and displays are filled with a mix of items that changes regularly. Fernandez said part of the appeal is that customers never know exactly what they’ll find, but there is always something new to look through.

Since opening, the family has felt welcomed by the community. Fernandez said residents — including people who helped them through the permitting process — have already stopped by to show support.

“So far, they’ve been very supportive,” he said. “The people that helped us out with City Hall even showed up. They try to buy something. They’ve been very supportive and very nice.”

Fernandez said the family hopes to remain in Gustine long term and continue building relationships with local shoppers and visitors.

“We welcome everyone,” he said. “We plan to stay here for a while. We plan to stay here for a decade, at least. It’s a wonderful area.”

With its grand‑opening sign out front and a growing collection of secondhand goods inside, Fernandez Thrift Store marks a new chapter for the family — and a new addition to downtown Gustine’s business community.