Pine Ridge Remodel
In 2018, the Oglala Sioux Tribe discontinued its grocery store lease with its previous tenant, due to poor store conditions, a history of selling bad meat and a lack of community participation.
The tribe approached Buche Foods to consider becoming the new tenant. For over 100 years, the Buche Company had a reputation of feeding people and doing the right thing. But now, they had to open a new store in just 28 days.
Most every dated and dilapidated piece of heavy equipment in the old store had to be pulled out. The dated structures were demolished to make room from brand new equipment suitable for a modern grocery store, hardware store and auto parts space.
Working around the clock to improve infrastructure, install refrigeration and build shelving, the team met their goal of opening in just 28 days, despite March flooding, wind and unpredictably poor spring conditions.
In the interim, Buche Foods provided transportation for local residents to travel to shop for groceries in neighboring towns.
“I called in every favor I needed, because I didn’t want anyone going hungry.”
They also paid the entire store’s staff while it was closed for remodeling. As the Buche team worked night and day to open their local store, the needs of the residents could not wait.
In addition to installing new equipment, Buche Foods made space for healthier food options: a 50% increase in produce options, 50% increase in dairy, and 100% increase in organic, gluten free and diabetic choices. In total, they dedicated 4,616 square feet of new space to produce, dairy and healthy options.
In addition to expanding fresh food choices, Buche and the team painted, cleaned and made other necessary upgrades to provide a well-lit, welcoming and safe shopping experience.
Below are the before and after images of the Pine Ridge grocery store remodel.