05/28/2026
We are still trying to find the words for this one.
A few weeks ago, we were honored to be recognized on a national stage as the 2026 National Rural Grocers of the Year at the National Rural Grocery Summit in Fargo, North Dakota.
Truthfully, this award does not belong to just us.
It belongs to our family who has sacrificed time, energy, sleep, comfort, and stability while we have chased a vision that looks a little (okay, maybe absolutely ) crazy. It belongs to our kids who have grown up in grocery aisles, at meat counters, in catering kitchens, and during late-night store projects. It belongs to parents, grandparents, relatives, friends, and employees who stepped in to help carry the weight during hard seasons. The extra hugs, and tears of joy and hardships we've shared together.
And it belongs to this community.
A steadfast, stubborn, resilient rural community that continues to show up, support local, encourage us, forgive our mistakes, celebrate our wins, and believe that small-town grocery stores still matter.
Because they do matter.
The fight for rural grocery and rural food access is far from over. Independent rural grocers across America are fighting every single day against rising costs, shrinking margins, workforce challenges, changing consumer habits, and increasing competition. There are moments where it feels impossible.
But we continue because we believe rural communities deserve places that bring people together.
Our tagline has always been “Community Through Food,” because some of the most meaningful moments in life happen around food. Grocery stores are more than shelves and cash registers. They are conversation. They are connection. They are care packages after funerals, last-minute birthday cakes, coffee conversations, fundraiser casseroles, Sunday lunches, and neighbors helping neighbors.
That community is always worth fighting for.
To everyone who has supported Main Street Mercantile, R Family Farms, The Salty Sow, and our family through the years — thank you. Truly.
This recognition may have happened on a national stage, but it was built by a tiny town full of people who never stopped believing in us.
And we are unbelievably grateful for that.
