Filipino-American store opens in Gastonia

Thelma Gorlach (wearing sweater,right) with friends

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

A convenience store that sells Filipino-made products opened last Monday at 2813 Lowell Road, Gastonia near Charlotte, North Carolina, the first Filipino store in the area.

Gastonia Mayor Walker Reid III cut the ceremonial red ribbon to formally open the Thelmat Store to the public along with owners Thelma Gorlach and husband Robert. The event was witnessed by friends and eager customers.

Pastor Terry Casino and his wife led the dedication ceremony with everyone present in prayers followed by the lighting of candles by the owners.

Thelma Gorlach said the store is a “leap of faith” that was made possible with her husband Robert's support along with encouragement from family and friends. Robert Gorlach is a psychotherapist by profession.

” It is a gift from God." she said. The closest Filipino owned store that sells Filipino products is in the Greensboro area that is far from Charlotte.

The Thelmart Store sells popular Filipino canned goods like Ligo and 555 sardines, carne norte (corned beef), noodles and rice, soy sauce, vinegar, Goldilocks bread and pastries, Lady's Choice and Reno liver spread.

All ingredients needed to make native Filipino dishes are found in the store like Maggi “ginisa (stir fry)” mix. JP Ave asked a Facebook friend if the store sells that flavored powder mix used to saute vegetables and meat or shrimps.

Beauty products like Eskinol, Johnson baby powder, Cream Silk and Likas Papaya are sold along with medicinal products like Vicks Vaporub. Thelmart Store is like a sari-sari or neighborhood community store in the Philippines.

Thelma Gorlach shows off one  of the store's products

The store also serves as a hangout of Filipino-American friends as it fills their need for social interaction not unlike the sari-sari stores found in Philippine barrios.

A sign which reads “A Taste of the Philippines” is painted on the store's glass door.
“There is a vacant room with sound system that can be used for Bible study,” Thelma said. 

She said she wants to expand the store to include other Asian products and if the business does well, she may even consider a Filipino-American store in the near future. 

Thelma's close friend Josephine Nichols said she is happy for her venture. “We should support this to break the negativity that Pinoy stores would not prosper.” she said (For comments and questions email me at susanap.dennis@yahoo.com or follow me at Instagram @Carolina 1girl).

Opening of Thelmart Store with Gastonia Mayor Walker Reid III in attendance