It was always a dream of Tara Dennis' to be a small business owner, so when the opportunity to take over Chicken Scratch on Whyte Avenue came up in 2007, she took it. “It was a big change. I used to be a dental assistant,” says Tara. “It’s been lots of fun, and I’ve learned a lot and had a great experience so far.”
Chicken Scratch has been around since 1994, and has a great following of local shoppers. “Many people make it a destination when they come down to Whyte Ave – to read the cards and have fun,” says Tara. “We are a family business. We are lots of fun. It’s a memorable store.”
On Whyte Avenue, you’ll find Chicken Scratch, a shop full of fun, whimsy stuff, and some really cool stationery items, too. Journals, address books, notecards (including some that are made by local artisans) and unique notebooks line the shelves of this quirky store. Chicken Scratch may be small in size, but it’s big in heart, and is one of those retail spots that makes Whyte Ave a special place to be.
It’s fun to browse the displays at Chicken Scratch and have a chuckle at the comical greeting cards at this homegrown store. They employ local artists to illustrate their top-selling, custom-made message cards. The shop also strives to find those one-of-a-kind novelty and gift items that are sure to bring joy to a friend or co-worker. The offbeat merchandise and specialty goods make this a hot destination for shoppers in the Whyte Avenue district.