FREDONIA — Mark Stuczynski last ran the Fredonia Food Mart on Thursday.
His mother and father, Richard and Lynn, opened the store in 1978 as a convenience store franchise. He purchased the store from his father in 1998 and transitioned to an independent store in 2002 after Convenience ended its New York franchise operations.
Mark started working at the store in 1982. This was after layoffs at the steel mills that ravaged the area at the time forced him to quit the job. His future wife, Sue, became the Statinskis’ first employee in 1978.
Their children also ended up working there. Mark said he thinks it helped set them up for a successful future as adults.
As for Jennifer, you’ve probably heard her story. She went on to win an Olympic gold medal in the pole vault. Her parents proudly displayed her OBSERVER article about her career in the Family store.
Mark Stuczynski wanted to make clear that it takes more than a family to run a successful store.
“Our local support has been really great.” He said.his employee “It was incredible. You’ll come across one or two, but not many.”
He recalled a bit about the changes since he started in ’82.
“Technology, supply lines have changed dramatically.” He said. So are customer preferences. “You can see that condensed soup and orange juice are no longer used.” Recently, I want a ready-made product, and I don’t want to bother mixing it with water.
Fredonia Food Mart also had to adapt to changing village demographics. In the 80s, there were many younger families than there are now. “We’ve seen a change in our older customers.” He said. The store responded by introducing a grocery delivery program for seniors.
mark said store “We were never dependent on big ticket items. We were never known as a ‘Coke and Smoke’ shop. We are more established as a grocery store. We always offer fresh meat and produce. “
On the afternoon of the last day of ownership, Mark and Sue showed the new General Manager of Patels the ropes and received a blessing and proclamation from Mayor Douglas Essek. The proclamation congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Staczynski on his 44 years of business, declaring Thursday: “Convenient Food Mart Fredonia Food Mart Day” in the village.
Mark is looking forward to the next step. He wants a new job and is exploring different opportunities.
“I live a little less stressful life. I don’t answer the phone 24/7.” He said.
“I still have a lot of energy. I still like being around people.”