December 27th, 2025
Phillips County Economic Development (PCED) is pleased to announce that Hometown Market in Logan, owned by Sandra and Terry Gottschalk, has been awarded funding through the Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) Grant. The grant is administered by the Office of Rural Prosperity at the Kansas Department of Commerce. PCED applied for the grant on behalf of Hometown Market to support continued economic vitality and access to essential services in rural Kansas.
The purpose of SEED grants is to support the economic revitalization of Kansas communities with populations under 5,000 through investments in quality-of-life initiatives. Funding for the SEED Grant is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.
In Phillips County, ensuring the long-term sustainability of a locally owned grocery store is both an economic development priority and a community necessity.
The Gottschalks have long recognized the grocery store as a critical community asset. When the opportunity arose to purchase Hometown Market in November 2013, they stepped forward with a commitment not just to operate a business, but to preserve an essential service for Logan and the surrounding area.
Running a family-owned grocery store like Hometown Market is about far more than keeping shelves stocked. Behind every stocked aisle, the Gottschalk family balances rising food costs, supply-chain challenges, staffing needs, facility maintenance, regulatory compliance, long hours, and constant decision-making, often seven days a week. It requires early mornings, late nights, and an unwavering dedication to making sure residents have access to fresh, affordable food close to home.
Customer commitment has always been at the heart of Hometown Market’s success. The owners strive to provide friendly service, competitive pricing, and a wide selection of products, while remaining open to customer suggestions and requests. Their philosophy is simple: the more they stock what people are looking for, the more likely residents are to shop locally, and one request often reflects the needs of many. Out-of-town visitors are frequently surprised by the variety and affordability they find in such a small-town grocery store.
Over the years, Hometown Market has continued to adapt to community needs. After Logan no longer had a hardware store, the Gottschalks expanded their inventory to include a line of everyday hardware items. Today, customers can find automotive, electrical, plumbing, yard and garden, and painting supplies, along with seasonal and holiday flowers, plants, and gift items, further strengthening the store’s role as a one-stop local resource.
Since purchasing the store, the Gottschalks have also made significant capital investments to strengthen and modernize the business. These improvements include installing new front doors, purchasing a walk-in freezer, upgrading to energy-efficient cooler and freezer cases, replacing condensers and compressors, installing a backup generator, and upgrading the HVAC system. More recently, a new Point-of Sale and Credit Card system has been installed, and the owners repaved the store’s parking lot to improve safety and accessibility. In 2024, a large-scale mural was added to the exterior of the building, enhancing the visual presence of the property while celebrating Logan’s heritage and small-town pride.
Hometown Market proudly offers all the essential departments of a full-service grocery store, including three doors of fresh produce, four doors of dairy products, and four doors of meat products featuring fresh beef and pork. Customers also have access to 14 freezer doors of frozen items, grab-and-go deli selections, and multiple cold beverage cases.
The store’s presence is especially vital for elderly residents and others who may have limited ability to travel out of town for groceries. To ensure access for all, Hometown Market continues to offer home delivery services to those who need it. The store also creates a welcoming environment for families, with kid-sized shopping carts and a chalkboard at the back of the store where children—and sometimes even adults—can draw while shopping.
Beyond Logan, Hometown Market quietly supports grocery access in neighboring rural communities. When Country Corner in Lenora faced challenges maintaining wholesale delivery access, the Gottschalks worked out an arrangement to include Lenora’s grocery order on their weekly delivery truck. By unloading, sorting, and coordinating pickups, Hometown Market has helped ensure Lenora can retain its local grocery store, demonstrating regional collaboration and a shared commitment to rural sustainability.
Community involvement remains a core value of the business. Hometown Market supports local events and organizations through donations of food, supplies, and financial contributions They also volunteer at community celebrations such as Home for the Holidays, Labor Day festivities, sports team send-offs, and youth events. The store also welcomes local youth organizations and entrepreneurs to host bake sales and fundraisers on site, reinforcing its role as a community gathering place.
Local grocery stores are essential rural infrastructure. They provide employment, ensure access to healthy food, and help keep local dollars circulating within the community. Without strong local businesses like Hometown Market, rural communities face increased vulnerability to food access challenges and economic leakage.
When residents choose to shop locally, they are doing more than purchasing groceries. They are supporting local jobs, strengthening community resilience, and helping ensure this essential service remains available for future generations.
Phillips County appreciates the continued commitment of the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Office of Rural Prosperity to rural communities through the SEED Grant program and congratulates Hometown Market on this well-deserved opportunity. The State of Kansas has recognized that sustaining a locally owned grocery store is critical to rural vitality. With continued modernization, community support, and strategic investment, Hometown Market will remain a trusted cornerstone of Logan and Phillips County for years to come.
Shopping at your local grocery store isn’t just convenient—it’s powerful.