Smart Business: Main Street Market
Main Street Market is a family-operated business in Milford, Nebraska that supplies the town and surrounding areas with unique and quality products at affordable prices. The store has been around for years, and Karen and Craig Bontrager are the current owners.
“We offer old fashioned bulk food items such as baking ingredients, canned goods, homemade bakery items, unique candies, deli meats and cheeses, specialty snacks and drinks, gluten-free options, as well as fresh produce and seasonal, locally sourced produce, meat, and dairy products,” said Craig. “We also offer a variety of delicious homemade sandwiches, salads, event platters, and charcuterie boards from our deli.”
They sell items that aren’t food too such as household necessities that change with the seasons. “Shoppers can purchase locally handmade products such as candles, dishcloths, wall hangings, blankets, and baskets,” said Craig. “We offer old-fashioned-inspired home decor as well as more practical household items such as cutlery, canning jars and lids, baking dishes, brooms, cookbooks, gifts, and children’s books and toys.”
Craig and Karen value community and family and their main goal is to make every person feel welcome in the market. They enjoy bringing pieces of Pennsylvania Dutch culture to Milford. “Customers can find something new each time they come into the market. A destination for locals and travelers alike to come together and enjoy unique items and foods not typically found in Nebraska,” notes Craig.
Main Street Market isn’t the first business Craig and Karen have run together. Years ago, they had a fitness center business in Seward. After that, Craig worked as the director of the Burkley Fitness Center in Fairbury for 20 years and Karen’s worked in the pharmaceutical industry in Lincoln for the past 20 years.
When the opportunity to purchase the store from the previous owners popped up, Craig and Karen couldn’t have been more ecstatic. “We were excited when we learned of the opportunity to purchase the store [from Neil and Lucinda], as we have always wanted to work closer to home,” said Craig.
Karen is from Pennsylvania, so she is very familiar with stores like Main Street Market. When she was young, she worked at a market and deli in her hometown. “Our family has always enjoyed visiting Pennsylvania and bringing back unique items,” said Karen. “When Main Street Market came to Milford, we were so excited and are now even more excited to have a part in it!”
Main Street Market is such an essential store to have in a town like Milford. Craig says, “We measure success by how our store is benefiting the community as a whole and increasing the quality of life for Milford residents and our customers. We strive to satisfy our customers with quality products and friendly customer service.”
When they aren’t restocking the shelves at the market, Craig and Karen enjoy participating in community events and attending festivals. They also love supporting Milford High School’s sports teams, One Act Musical, and band. Their youngest daughter is a senior at the high school, so it’s important for them to show up and support when they can. Craig is a former member of the pool board, former elder at Bellwood, and a current church council member.
Some of the best ways to support Main Street Market:
- Shop there when you can (and say hi to Craig and Karen!)
- Like their Facebook page
- Follow them on Instagram
“We are so thankful for each and every one of our customers,” said Craig and Karen. “We thank them for their support in the past several months as we navigate the challenges and learn more each day about the grocery business. We’re especially thankful to our great employees for their support and help throughout this transition. We really would not be able to do it without them”
Farmers & Merchants Bank loves supporting local businesses that are pivotal in the community. Craig says, “[The bank’s] supported us throughout the process of acquiring Main Street Market and continue to support us in our day-to-day business by being a customer to us and other small businesses in Milford.”
Thank you for choosing Farmers & Merchants Bank, Craig and Karen! We can’t wait to see where you take Main Street Market in the next few years.