Cahoy’s General Store named South Dakota Retailer of the Year
February 4, 2025Tyndall grocers recognized for contributions to small-town vitality
Dan and Trisha Cahoy have been honored as the 2025 South Dakota Retailers of the Year. Presented annually by the South Dakota Retailers Association, the award recognizes businesses that demonstrate excellence in both their operations and impact on the community.
The Cahoys own and operate Cahoy’s General Store, a chain of small-town grocery stores in rural South Dakota. SDRA Executive Director Nathan Sanderson says they exemplify the best of Main Street businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. Dan and Trisha are creating opportunities and providing the high-level service that characterizes businesses in our rural towns.”
Answering the call
The Cahoys have a history of stepping up when communities need them.
When a fire at another grocery store in Bonesteel left the community without a local market, Dan and Trisha decided to reopen Cahoy’s General Store, reviving the business his parents had operated locally from 1986 to 2008.
Their dedication to small-town grocery access doesn’t stop there.
When Tyndall’s only grocery store abruptly closed in 2018, local investors scrambled to find a way to bring it back. Once again, the Cahoys stepped in.
Dan was initially approached for advice. However, he offered something better, taking ownership of the store and ensuring Tyndall residents wouldn’t have to travel out of town for fresh groceries.
Heartland Energy supported the effort with an economic development grant for essential upgrades to make the reopening possible. Heartland also partnered with the city to offer Cahoy’s energy efficiency rebates on new equipment.
Meeting community needs
Today, the Cahoy brand encompasses Cahoy’s General Stores, Cahoy’s Kitchen and Mighty MoJo Coffee Co.
Their grocery stores operate in Bonesteel, Lake Andes, Tyndall, and Spencer, Nebraska. Mighty MoJo has physical locations in Lake Andes, Burke and Winner and also operates as a mobile coffee truck.
Their newest endeavor, Cahoy’s Kitchen in Burke, offers a restaurant, marketplace, coffee shop, and bakery.
In all, they employ 110 people.
“There’s a need for these small-town grocery stores,” Dan explained. “The number one thing that motivates me every day is knowing that we’re providing jobs in these small towns and keeping communities alive.”
Beyond groceries, the Cahoys support other local businesses by stocking locally sourced foods. They are also committed to giving back. Their “Mighty Mission” initiative donates ten cents per cup of coffee sold to community groups.
Supporting small-town vitality
Looking ahead, the Cahoys plan to open a new Mighty MoJo location in Atkinson, Nebraska while continuing to improve their existing stores to better serve the communities.
The Cahoys prove small-town businesses can thrive with dedication and vision. Their recognition as Retailer of the Year highlights their hard work, commitment to quality service, and passion for strengthening the places they serve.