Seven Years of Meyers Specialty Market

On July 1, 2026, Meyers Specialty Market celebrates seven years in downtown McConnelsville.

Just over seven years ago, in March of 2019, I started working part-time at Jo-Ad Specialty Market. I was homeschooling my seven children and needed a hobby that didn't cost me money.

Six weeks into my job, the owner of Jo-Ad, Reuben Yoder, approached me about buying the store.

My response?

"All I have thought about for a month is that I want to buy Jo-Ad."

Well... that ended my desire for a hobby that didn't cost me money.

Every waking moment was flooded with thoughts, conversations, plans written on napkins, late-night walks, measuring rooms, measuring them again, and dreaming big dreams. I was buying a food store!

I love food. I love healthy food.

It all felt surreal.

There was so much to learn about running a small brick-and-mortar business. I had "training" from earning my Bachelor's degree in Business Economics from Florida State University, but there is no substitute for real-life experience.

Reuben became my mentor. Question after question, he patiently answered. I met with my accountant, the county health department, and other business owners. I asked all the questions.

"How do I do this?"

I spent 10- to 12-hour days at the store. Then I would come home, sit beside my kids on the couch, and fall asleep.

Over the next few months, I slowly learned to pace myself while continuing to dream about expansion. I also learned—very slowly—how to find some sort of work-life balance, if that's even possible as a small business owner.

I learned the names of my regular customers, and many of them have become dear friends.

I became involved with our Main Street business group and made even more friendships. As small business owners, we learned just how important each of us is to our community and how we all play an integral role in one another's successes and challenges.

I learned that I need my fellow small business owners during the good times—and especially during the difficult ones.

Then came COVID.

Our experience was very different from many other small businesses because, as a grocery store, we were considered essential. We packaged an entire year's worth of flour and sugar in just two months.

Then the supply chain issues began.

Half of what I ordered each week didn't arrive. Yeast became scarce, and sourdough found its rebirth in kitchens across America.

On April 6, 2022, we opened the Meyers Specialty Market Eatery & Bakery.

I have a confession...

I don't love cold sandwiches.

So when I discovered paninis, I was hooked.

The Eatery & Bakery has grown mostly through word of mouth—pun intended!

In 2023, I stepped out of the bakery and passed the art of sourdough on to my incredibly talented bakers so I could focus more on the administrative side of the business.

Every once in a while, you'll still find me filling in at the bakery, and it always feels good to get my hands back in the dough.

Looking back over these seven years, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Thank you to every customer who has walked through our doors, every employee who has been part of our journey, every fellow small-business owner who has encouraged us, and to this wonderful community that welcomed my family with open arms.

Because of you, Meyers Specialty Market has become so much more than a grocery store.

It has become home.

Here's to the next seven years.

— Sarah Meyers-Griesmyer❤️

Owner, Meyers Specialty Market