GR Groceries ~ A History of Community

Forty three years is almost my entire lifetime. Yet for one local store it is an ending and new beginning. Not many businesses are owned and operated in this day and age, for such an extended period of time. Sadly it is becoming a thing of the past.

Yet in the midst of southwest Saskatchewan, in a little town called Frontier, a small grocery store has thrived for so many years and without a noticeable amount of recognition for it's service. In those years, many employees have seen the inside of these walls. With only three remaining employees and the owner, until the recently passed ending. My short time of five years of employment here, really only seeming like a moment of time, in the life of this local gem. This store has quite a lot of history behind it and many people from this community have been a part of it in one form or another.

In my quest for further information about some of the past of this store, I have spoken to some of the family members.

The store was originally owned by Garry and Ron Bakken until Ron was physically unable to take part in it's operations in 1984, in which, at that time Garry took over as full owner.

In all the many years, family, friends and locals have been employed in this small town store. When I inquired with the different family members, about the people they knew had worked there, it seems Garry had employed around fiftyish people throughout the years. That is a good number of employees in such a period of time. Now granted some employees; were doing work experience, only worked for summer or were very part time, yet this store has seen many long term employees such as Anne Weighill, an employee for approximately 30 years. I do know in my years of working in this small town store there has been at least 10 employees and only one whom has been there longer than I. If there is one thing very clear, family has been an integral part of this store and people whom weren't family, became as family.

The fact that Garry has established relationships with the Hutterite colonies in the vicinity, has been reliable for after hours events as well as prior to opening hours, delivered groceries to people unable to shop or milk to the local school, and given donations, says a lot to the fact that the business has thrived for so many years.

The building itself has seen many changes also, from being a CO-OP, bakery, restaurant, a beauty salon, a sears outlet and also at one time had housed huge case lot sales, hardware from the previous CO-OP and veterinary supplies.

There has been quite a noticeable change in prices since the very first flyer came out, which was officiated, when they held the Grand Opening on February 28th, 1974 and not the actual day the doors opened nearly six to nine months earlier. The last flyer and sale being dated from December 26th to the 31st 2016 the last actual day Garry owned the store. The last printed yearly calendar, with Garry Bakken and staff dwindling in numbers at this moment in time.

One thing is for sure, Garry will be missed and the service he provided for this and surrounding communities.

It is not yet the end for this store, as there is in fact a new local owner, named Bryce Peno. Garry and the three remaining staff, myself included, at the official closure of GR are now staffed by Bryce Peno, and oddly enough exactly five years from my start date with Garry, has been my new start date with Bryce as owner. I know many wish him the very best in his new endeavor including myself and may this local gem survive another lifetime of service.

It is uncertain at this time if and when there will be a goodbye ceremony for Garry and perhaps a re: Grand Opening ceremony for our new store owner. I know our surrounding communities wish them both all the very best.

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