Jan. 10—BONESTEEL, S.D. — When it comes to running a successful business in rural America, customer service, community involvement, and a genuine commitment to local needs are key. This philosophy is what has driven Dan and Trisha Cahoy, owners of Cahoy’s General Store, to win the Retailer of the Year Award from the South Dakota Retailers Association for 2025. T
his annual honor, announced at the beginning of the calendar year, recognizes businesses that demonstrate excellence in customer service and contribute positively to their communities.
“This incredible honor belongs to our employees and customers — the heart of our Cahoy’s family,” Dan Cahoy said.
The journey in retail began in 1986 when Dan’s parents, Steve and Kathy Cahoy, opened the first Cahoy’s General Store in Bonesteel, a town in south-central South Dakota. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that Dan and his wife Trisha took over the family business. With a renewed sense of purpose and passion for community, the couple has expanded the business, adding stores in Lake Andes, Tyndall, Spencer, Nebraska and most recently, a new restaurant venture in Burke — all within a 60-mile radius of their home base.
Cahoy’s passion for the grocery business runs deep, rooted in a lifetime of experience.
“I grew up in the grocery business, and it’s something that excites me every day,” Cahoy said.
His enthusiasm shapes the way Cahoy’s General Store operates, with a customer-first philosophy that prioritizes personal connections.
“We’re not just running a business; we’re part of these communities,” Dan Cahoy said. “Customer service is our top priority, but it’s the relationships we build that make the difference. People want to feel valued, and that’s what we try to do every day.”
Each Cahoy’s location is tailored to the specific needs of its community. The original Bonesteel store, situated near the Missouri River, caters to outdoor enthusiasts with a mix of groceries, convenience items, gas, and outdoor supplies for fishing and recreation. In contrast, when the Cahoys expanded in 2017 by acquiring the former Jones Food Center in Lake Andes, they focused exclusively on groceries, addressing a local need after residents had been forced to drive out of town for their shopping.
“Each community has its own character, and we tailor our offerings to match what people want,” said Trisha Cahoy. “For example, we’re close to the Missouri River, so in Bonesteel, we offer a lot of fishing supplies and bait because we know that’s what people need and want.”
The business philosophy extends beyond groceries. In 2021, they launched Mighty Mojo Coffee Co., a venture that began with a coffee truck in Minneapolis. What started as a mobile coffee business quickly grew into a regional brand, with permanent locations in Burke, Lake Andes, and Winner, with plans to open their first standalone coffee shop in Atkinson, Neb., later this year. The couple’s dedication to quality led them to attend coffee school in Texas, ensuring they could provide a top-tier experience for their customers.
“Coffee is something people connect with, and we wanted to make sure we were offering something special,” Trisha said. “We even attended a coffee school in Texas to make sure we could provide the best possible experience for our customers.”
The business also has a charitable aspect: for every drink sold, the Cahoys donate 10 cents to local organizations, creating a positive impact within the communities they serve.
But despite their expansions, the Cahoys remain hands-on in their operations. Every Wednesday, Dan leads the meat-cutting crew at their Lake Andes location, which serves as the meat processing hub for all their stores.
“We’ve got a big meat slicer at that location, so we all get together to cut up a ton of meat to take back to the other stores,” Cahoy said. “It’s a lot of work, but it keeps us all connected and ensures we’re providing the freshest products possible.”
This commitment to staying involved with every aspect of their business is what makes Cahoy’s General Store stand out. Whether it’s Dan cutting meat or Trisha personally greeting customers, the Cahoys ensure their stores reflect the personal touch that larger chain stores often lack.
The Cahoys’ success isn’t just about meeting the current needs of their communities; it’s about helping small towns thrive. Their expansion into Tyndall, where they stepped in after the local grocery store closed, is a prime example.
“It wasn’t planned, but when the opportunity came to help out Tyndall, we didn’t hesitate,” Dan said. “It’s about helping small towns thrive, not just running a business.”
Their latest project, Cahoy’s Kitchen in Burke, combines a marketplace, bakery, restaurant, and coffee shop, further solidifying their commitment to serving communities. The kitchen offers everything from fresh meats and deli items to a panini bar and smoked specialties. The idea came about after the only restaurant in Burke closed, and the Cahoys saw an opportunity to bring something back to the town.
“We wanted to create a place where people can gather, enjoy good food, and feel at home,” Trisha said. “We didn’t have restaurant experience, but we knew we had to try to give them something.”
As Cahoy’s General Store continues to grow, the couple remains focused on their core values. They prioritize customer service, community involvement and personal connections over expansion for expansion’s sake.
Nathan Sanderson, executive director for the South Dakota Retailers Association, believes the Cahoys’ approach sets a standard for businesses in rural America.
“The Cahoys exemplify what is best about businesses in small towns across South Dakota,” Sanderson said. “Dan and Trisha are creating opportunities and providing the high-level service that characterizes businesses in our rural communities.”
They attribute their success to the strong relationships they’ve built with their employees, customers and communities.
“We’re just doing what we love, and we’re lucky to have the support of our employees, customers, and communities along the way,” Dan said.