If you live in or around Kelliher, chances are you’ve filled up your tank, grabbed groceries, or picked up bait and tackle at Village One Stop. For more than a century, the site has been a hub for fuel and community commerce, evolving from one of Kelliher’s first gas stations into the full-service convenience store it is today.

Owner Richard Skoe has deep ties to the store’s history. His father purchased the business in 1949, when it was still a farm equipment dealership that happened to sell gas. “The history of this spot is that it had gas being sold on it for a hundred plus years,” Richard explained. “I think it probably was the first gas station in Kelliher when it used to come in on barrels on the train.” Richard himself took over in 1976, guiding the business through big transitions. By the mid-1980s, he phased out the implement side of the business and officially incorporated the store in 1986. A few years later, he doubled its size to 6,000 square feet and added a deli to better serve the community.

Today, Village One Stop is managed by Richard’s son, Erik Skoe, who grew up working at the store and returned after college to step into a leadership role in 2016. Under his management, the store continues to expand its offerings while staying true to its name. “It’s kind of in the name, but we really do try to be a one-stop shop,” Erik said. “Most recently, we added a bigger selection of clothing, making sure everyone has what they need for ice fishing, a cabin trip, or whatever comes up.”

With 20 employees, the Village One Stop is one of the largest local employers in the area, and Erik says it’s the staff that makes all the difference. “If I had to go to Vegas and put money on it, I would guess that we have one of the best staffs in the state for a convenience store. They really do keep everything running smoothly. It feels good to have a crew you like to work with, people that like to help out.”

Serving both locals and visitors, the Village One Stop is the main grocery stop for many in the Kelliher area. School kids come by after class, and the shelves are stocked for families who rely on the store as their primary shopping destination. At the same time, seasonal tourism plays an important role. Ice fishermen stop in for bait, tackle, and supplies, making the store especially busy during the winter months.

Through every change over the decades, one thing has remained constant: Village One Stop’s commitment to being a reliable resource for its community. Independently owned and rooted in family history, the business continues to grow with the needs of its customers while never losing sight of its small-town values.