The Caney Grocery is still in business.
After a special council workshop last night, the decision was made by Caney council members to keep the store operating as normal, while looking at the numbers again in ninety days.
City Administrator Kelley Zellner says the objective will continue as long as possible to make the store self sustaining.
The city of Caney is designated to be in a food desert, with the nearest grocery store twenty minutes away, either in Independence, Coffeyville, or Dewey, Oklahoma. The city, however, is also tasked with keeping the store operating without using water funds, because using funds from the general fund is not an option. Zellner says Caney Grocery does play an important role in the town.
Caney Grocery did show a plus in revenue seven months throughout 2023, but has only showed revenue one month in the 1st quarter of 2024, although numbers through April look promising for a profit for the store. Zellner believes signage will make a difference for the store, not only with a new sign at 4th Street on Highway 75.....
Residents are urged to get in touch with their city council members to give input and to brainstorm on how to make Caney Grocery self sustaining.
The store will once again be discussed during the council's next meeting, set for May 6th.
