From the left: Jessica Bissonnette and Philip Bissonnette are shown in The Old General Store. Absent from the photo is co-owner Mark Kenny. Thompson Goddard Photo

CRYSLER – The Old General Store is continuing a tradition that began 121 years ago when the Benoit family in Crysler built a store to serve the people of this North Stormont community.  It is currently owned and operated by Philip Bissonnette and Mark Kenny.

Bissonnette explained how after three generations in the Benoit family, the Bissonnette family purchased the business which was in turn purchased by the current owners. “We then purchased it from them, just over 7 years ago and started putting our own stamp on the place.” said Bissonnette, continuing how “For us, it was just a matter of luck that it was located in the best little village in the whole of Canada.”

Entering the store, you are quickly able to see the pride and ingenuity of the current owners. While maintaining the beauty of yesterday, clients are able to enjoy modern conveniences and products. He explained the store offers freshly “baked goodies, homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner counter, fresh brewed coffee, our in-house lemonade, ice cream and milkshakes in the summer months, lottery, dry cleaning, skate sharpening and lots of Candy!!!”

The Old General Store is one of only a few privately owned convenient stores in the local area currently operating. Bissonette noted a challenge which faces the business “is our pricing” as competing with the larger commercial stores who purchase in volume which lowers their prices to the public. “Unfortunately, we can’t bring down the prices, as we just won’t make enough profit to keep the place running, and that’s one of the challenges we’re facing today.” he explained.

To help increase the customer base, he continued how when they purchased the store, “it was the local convenience/grocery store” and to increase the customer traffic it was decided to increase the variety of goods offered to clients. Bissonnette mentioned “We figured we had to offer more options and a larger variety of goods to get people to come in. We still carry groceries, now on a larger scale than before, but the homemade food has really taken off for us. We pride ourselves on the quality of each ingredient that goes into our food.”

He continued how the challenges faced by The Old General Store have been overcome by “adapting and continuously thinking of new ideas and trying to keep up with our growing community’s needs.” This reflects his answer when asked about providing advice to people thinking about starting a business which was “Be ready to work hard and give it your all. Don’t be afraid to change and adapt from your original ideas to make the business work.”

Crysler is a community which continues to grow both in size and events for the community. It is often the local businesses which are front and centre in supporting the activities in a village or town. Bissonette noted businesses, such as The Old General Store, “rely on the community to support us and to use our serves.” Noting how “as the community grows it benefits us too.”

The Old General Store owners believe the business is important to its community. To this end, their business supports the community by providing the opportunity to purchase needed or wanted items nearby, supporting local school products as well as community events by getting supplies for dinners and special events.” We love being able to help and contribute and we’ll continue to do so for as long as we’re here.”

One of the historical roles of a general store in a rural community is how it serves as a community hub, bringing people together. Bissonette commented how the store is a place where “people love coming in for just a chat sometimes too”. He mentioned how in a small town, business owners get to know their customers and they “feel comfortable with us.” There is a seating area in the store “where people can come in and have their breakfast or lunch”, saying there is a group which meets every morning for coffee, sitting and chatting for hours. “We feel that our business connects everyone in the community. “Everyone knows The Old General Store. It’s a friendly place to be. And of course, what kid doesn’t love having a candy store right here in town?”

Bissonnette continued by saying how “Crysler is a community where every one is always there for each other. All the businesses here are there to help each other if ever needed, we work together and not against each other and that’s what makes this town so special.”

“We would like to thank The Record for their hard work in continuously shining the spotlight on small businesses and bringing us important local news. You’re the glue that connects all our small towns together. Keep up the fantastic work.” said Bissonette.

The Old General Store is open for business Monday to Fridy from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Saturdays between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and as it has been for the past 121 years closed on Sunday. More information on the business can be found on their Facebook page or by contacting it by either email at oldgeneralstorecrysler@gmail.com or by telephone at 613-987-2810.

 

If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.