Garretson Food Center Owners Seek Buyer to Continue Grocery Legacy

Ron and Lorie Luke, who have run the store for 30 years, are looking to retire after 46 years in the industry.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:45pm

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The longtime owners of the Garretson Food Center in Garretson, South Dakota, Ron and Lorie Luke, are looking to sell their grocery store and retire. The Lukes have operated the store for 30 years, but Ron Luke says he has been in the grocery business for 46 years. They hope to find a buyer who will continue running the store, as they believe a small town needs a grocery store, school, and local newspaper to thrive.

Why it matters

The sale of the Garretson Food Center represents a transition for the small town of Garretson, as the Lukes have been a fixture in the community for decades. Finding the right buyer to maintain the grocery store will be crucial for preserving the town's character and ensuring residents have access to essential goods and services.

The details

Ron and Lorie Luke have decided to sell the Garretson Food Center and retire after 30 years of operating the grocery store. Ron Luke has been in the grocery business for a total of 46 years. The Lukes are hoping to find a buyer who will continue running the store, as they believe a small town like Garretson needs a grocery store, school, and local newspaper to thrive.

  • Ron and Lorie Luke have operated the Garretson Food Center for 30 years.
  • Ron Luke has been in the grocery business for 46 years.

The players

Ron Luke

The longtime owner of the Garretson Food Center who has been in the grocery business for 46 years.

Lorie Luke

The co-owner of the Garretson Food Center, who has operated the store with her husband Ron for 30 years.

Garretson Food Center

A grocery store located in Garretson, South Dakota that has been in operation for decades under the ownership of Ron and Lorie Luke.

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What they’re saying

“I think a small town needs a school, a grocery store and a local paper and right now we have all three of them, so we want to keep it that way.”

— Ron Luke, Owner, Garretson Food Center

What’s next

The Lukes are actively seeking a buyer for the Garretson Food Center who will continue operating the grocery store and maintain the essential services it provides to the small town.

The takeaway

The sale of the Garretson Food Center represents a changing of the guard for the community, as the Lukes have been a fixture in the town for decades. Finding the right buyer to preserve the grocery store will be crucial for Garretson to maintain its character and ensure residents have access to the goods and services they need.