The Main Street location has been a retail store since 1886
By Andrew Harris, pictured is “The Store,” 2024
Jim and Cindy Potter graduated from Scio Central School in 1968, they got married in 1972, and they bought “The Store” from Kay and Morrie Fields in 1989. As Scio kids, they knew how important that hub was to the community in many ways. They also knew that the venture would define their lives, until today.
Papers are signed, and the Potter’s are retired from the life of a small town grocer, butcher, coffee shop, sandwich shop, and many other things. The business has been sold to entreprenuers Ankur Purani and Gokul Shah who love the fact that “The Store” is a throwback, a living history that can only happen in tiny hamelts like Scio NY.
Ankur, who purchased a store in Canisteo last year, said that he is attracted to the “country store” theme and that is big reason why they chose to purchase this landmark small town store.
“We really love the hometown feel and the legacy of family owned businesses. Our family has been operating small stores for over forty years. So we can totally relate to Jim and Cindy and how important this business is for the community,” explained Purani.
Operations have been uninterrupted since the purchase finalized and “The Store” is open for business as usual. Ankur is anxious to start the work of his chapter in this historic store. We plan to talk with him next week about his vision and what Scio can expect from the new ownership.
Since 1989, life for Jim and Cindy has been framed by “The Store.” They have largely continued the life lead by the owners of this NYS Route 19 business for hundreds of years. Every member of the family has been part of the operation at some point along with countless friends and neighbors.
“We’ve had over 120 employees in thirty five years! Many have worked with us for years and have become just like family!”
Jim and Cindy are likely the longest running owners of “The Store,” which has been in operation since the same year that the Statue of Liberty was built, 1886. The Potters purchased the store in 1989 from the Fields, who owned and operated the small town one-stop since 1960. Jim looks back at the decision to buy:
“Well I had a housefull of kids and I just lost a bid on a pretty big job. My first thought was to start selling real estate so I went to see “Cackle” Linnecke at CHL Realty. She said to me, “Oh no Jimmy I have just the thing for you!!” She connected us with Kay and Morrie and we bought the place shortly after.”
It was a familiar place for both Jim and Cindy who can both remember trips to “The Store” from a very young age. If you grew up in Scio NY during the 20th century then you ran to the store almost daily for milk, eggs, dinner, candy, beer, lotto, sandwiches, gas, dog food, odds and ends, fishing hooks, the list goes on.
The open house last week gave the Potter’s a chance to thank the community for the support. The importance of this little country store was obvious when hundreds showed up for the event. Cindy and her sidekick Jim were touched but at seventy four years each, it is time to enjoy life and travel.
When I asked about what plans they had for retirement it was simple. The Potters will stay in Scio but clearly plan to hit the road to visit family and friends. Owning “The Store,” doesn’t allow for much travel time, unless the drive south to the Wellsville Country Club counts! The high school sweethearts are ready to hit the road without the worry!
