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Kaitlyn Doyle

Len’s is a family-owned full service grocery store serving the Stillwater and St. Croix Valley. They have a upscale and high meat market, fresh produce, dairy, and bakery fresh breads.They also offer delivery services to St. Croix Valley residents every Tuesday.

On the corner of Myrtle and Owens Street lies Stillwater’s oldest grocery store, running in the same location.

Len’s Corner Store celebrated its 20th anniversary on Feb. 20. Although the ownership has changed multiple times over the last 100 years, Len’s has been dedicated to keeping the grocery tradition alive. Owner Len Nelson took over the corner shop 20 years ago with the help of his son and manager Kevin Nelson. The business has been family owned ever since the beginning and the shop has no intention for this to change.

Both Len and Kevin have been in the grocery business for most of their lives. Kevin’s very first job was at Houley’s sorting pop bottles. Len started out as a grocer at age 15. These early grocer starts made opening the corner store a familiar and simple idea.

“[Len] retired from the grocery business and was bored, so he decided to open up the corner store,” said Kevin.

Kevin has been given a lot of responsibility when it comes to keeping up with the store. He keeps it modern and up to date. Len comes into the store about three times a week, leaving most managerial jobs to Kevin since the store says open all 365 days of the year. Both Kevin and Len work hard to create a positive environment within the store.

“Len is an incredible person. A lot of people get stuck with crabby, demanding bosses, but that isn’t the case at Len’s. He often takes a moment to tell you how much he appreciates your work at the store either in person or in an uplifting note on your paycheck,” said Len’s employee Caedron Koenig.

According to the Stillwater Gazette, Len’s has stayed consistent with the small town business by only having a total of 18 employees.

“We have employees who like to work here. They like having hours, too, so there really is no need to hire more employees,” said Kevin.

It is questionable how a small grocer such as Len’s can remain successful with super grocery stores less than five miles away. Len’s has something that the big grocers lack: overall quality.

Koenig said, “The service of the employes and quality of our meat and produce departments [make us different]. Since it’s a small grocery store, there’s always an employee only an aisle away to answer any questions or address any need you have. Working in the meat and produce departments have made me a lot pickier with the quality of the food I shop for.”

Len’s is located near the heart of Stillwater, making it easy for people to access.

“The convenience of the store keeps a regular flow of customers getting last minute meals or baking ingredients they just ran out of. We have a no-line policy at Len’s. We open another register if there is any line at all, so customers can run in, grab their groceries, and be out in a minute,” said Koenig.

Having a small store allows for the one on one assistance and efficiency that all businesses strive for.

“You want to create your own energy and do your best to fulfill what people want as far as service, and treat people well and create the best quality to be a successful business. We can do this and it is what we try for,” said Kevin.

Customers enjoy the quaint atmosphere that Len’s gives off and the idea that they can easily walk to the store.

“There is something about Len’s that makes me feel like I am part of a community. I work at Nelson’s and I can easily walk over to Len’s after work and grab a snack or some things for dinner. I love the small town feel that it gives. Even though I am only 18, I can tell that Len’s is a unique part of Stillwater’s history and I always feel welcomed when I go,” said senior Brittany Pooley.

Len’s concern for community and the customer remain a primary obligation for the small shop and they do not plan on going anywhere any time soon.

“Our future is simple. We want to continue doing what we have been doing for the last 20 years and hopefully we will be here for another 20 years,” said Kevin.

Not only do the Nelson’s want the store to stick around, but the community wants the same.

“As far as I know, the store has been a centerpiece of the Stillwater residential area for years. Anytime someone asks where I work, I answer Len’s, they know where it is, even those who don’t live in Stillwater,” said Koenig.

“I would be very upset is Len’s stopped doing what it does. In my eyes, Stillwater is a place that has their community shown through its small businesses like Len’s. I would be sad if I couldn’t go there anymore or if it was transformed into something other than a grocers,” added Pooley.

Kevin and his family are grateful for the corner shop that is marked by a memorable mural on the outside.

“I just want to say thank you everyone for supporting us these past 20 years,” said Kevin.

Keeping Stillwater tradition is important, so as declared on the side of the corner shop, “Get your buns in here,” and head out to Len’s.