Jeff Erb of Sanholtz-McKarns has been dreaming of this day for 10 years. Two years ago, the plans started coming together and if all goes according to schedule, the new Stryker Main Stop will open her doors September 1.
A Stryker resident, Jeff is a former manager of the location when it was then owned by Norm DeGroff. Back then it was a carry-out and pharmacy. He’s watched it go through many changes including the purchase by Jim Sanholtz.
Over the years, customer demands have grown, but with limited space, the present building was running out of options for growth. That’s where the plan came in to play and meetings led to drawings and drawings led to building.
Stryker residents will be in for many surprises when the doors of the new building open. The first thing they will notice is the size. The new building is 35,000 square feet and the present building is 18,000 square feet. Almost double.
The front of the building has a stone column with well lit awnings. Large windows fill the east side and allow natural light to brighten the store. Beautiful tiles were used for the flooring and the ceiling was left open for a pleasing look.
The old location had no bathrooms. The new location has a men’s and women’s indoor restroom that is large and handicap accessible.
Cooler space was a problem in the present building. This will no longer be an issue with a wall full of coolers housing drinks and frozen items as well as a huge walk in beer cave.
One wall of the store will house fountain drinks and a 6 flavor coffee bar. All of your favorite snacks and convenience items will also fill the new shelves.
New to the location is a Keno machine as well as easy plays. Patrons can sit at bar stools and enjoy their favorite games.
Also new and to begin shortly after opening is Green Chile Burritos. Breakfast burritos will be available in the morning and then a “Chipotle Style” burrito bar will be available for lunch and dinner. Once training is complete they will be up and running.
Jeff says local contractors did the majority of the work. Tim Scherer with Scherer Construction was the leading force and Jeff says he highly recommends him to anyone needing a contractor. Electrical work was completed by NW Brown and plumbing and electrical was done by Unity Plumbing and Heating.
While Jeff is excited for the new store and its employees, he’s also excited about what the new building will mean to those in Stryker. He’s glad that there is something positive happening and that he has been a part of it. Stryker holds a special place for him and he’s ready for the new building to open.
Additional employees are expected to be hired which is also a positive thing for the economy in Stryker. Future plans call for the present building to be removed and for a new configuration of the gas pumps to take place.
Investing in the long term in Stryker is a win-win for everyone and everyone at Stryker Main Stop and Sanholtz – McKarns hope the community is as pleased with the new building as they are.
Monica may be reached at
monica@thevillagereporter.com
