A Little Sidewalk Chalk and a Lot of Small-Town Heart

When the sidewalk closed, Sarah had her girls grab the chalk and make a cheerful new path to Meyers.

There is never a dull moment when you own a small business, especially when the sidewalk in front of your store suddenly disappears.

Last week, demolition of the existing sidewalks began in front of Meyers Specialty Market. We knew it was coming, but seeing the large orange barriers and a sign reading “SIDEWALK CLOSED” directly in front of the store made me stop and think.

I knew our customers might walk up, see the barriers, and wonder whether we were open or how to reach the front door.

We are definitely still open. We just needed to make the new path a little easier to find.

So, I called my little girls; they grabbed a bucket of sidewalk chalk and got to work.

They drew colorful arrows, cheerful pictures, and a hopscotch path leading customers toward the temporary walkway created by the construction crew. It may not have been an official construction sign, but it certainly felt a little more like Meyers.

Word has it that they draw a pretty mean hopscotch.

A few customers even accepted the challenge and hopped their way toward the front door. Watching people smile, follow the colorful path, and have a little fun in the middle of a construction zone made my day.

It was a good reminder that we may not be able to control everything happening outside our doors, but we can choose how we respond.

A Thank You to the Ruhlin Crew

We have also been incredibly impressed by the Ruhlin Corporation crew working downtown.

Their workers have been on a constant lookout for our customers. Whenever they see someone approaching the walkway, work stops so that person can safely make their way toward the store.

Their helpfulness and attention have not gone unnoticed. We appreciate the care they are taking with the businesses and people affected by the construction.

The Route May Look Different, but We Are Still Here

Construction can make a familiar trip feel confusing. Parking may look a little different, the sidewalk may take a temporary turn, and you may need to follow a few chalk arrows along the way.

But once you step inside Meyers, you will still find the same friendly faces and the same market you know and love.

The bakery is still baking.

The deli is still slicing meats and cheeses.

The Eatery is still making fresh lunches.

The shelves are still filled with bulk foods, pantry staples, local products, seasonal produce, and plenty of good things to take home.

And yes, Cinnamon Roll Friday is still happening.

In fact, our deli was the busiest department this week. That meant so much to us because it showed that our customers are continuing to make the trip, even when getting here requires a slightly different path.

Here Is the Easiest Way to Visit

Our front entrance remains open and can be reached using the temporary pedestrian walkway.

Parking is also available in our lot, accessible from 7th Street.

Ordering lunch ahead? Place your order online and choose curbside pickup. Park in the 7th Street lot and pick up your order at the side door to avoid the construction in front of the store.

Construction conditions may continue to change, so we will keep sharing updates on Facebook and on our website as work progresses.

Thank You for Continuing to Show Up

Every visit matters to a small business, but visits during a challenging season mean even more.

When you stop for lunch, pick up deli meat, grab a loaf of bread, shop for pantry staples, or take home a box of cinnamon rolls, you are doing more than making a purchase. You are helping a local business continue serving its community while downtown improvements are underway.

Thank you for following the arrows, hopping the hopscotch, watching out for the construction crew, and continuing to walk through our doors.

We will keep the food fresh, the welcome warm, and the sidewalk chalk ready.

Sarah❤️

Plan Your Visit

Meyers Specialty Market

83 E. Main Street, McConnelsville, Ohio

Store Hours

Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM Sunday: Closed

Eatery Hours

Monday through Saturday: 11 AM to 2 PM

The front entrance is open. Parking and curbside pickup are available from 7th Street.