The country general store in Mildred Kansas has been a fixture of the community for generation, first known as “Charley Brown’s Market”, and now called the “Mildred Store”.

The Mildred store was recently profiled by the K-State Research and Extension News: Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: Loren and Regena Lance – Mildred Store

The business in the tiny community (population 28) nearly disappeared forever. It closed for a short time, but was rescued by local residents Loren and Regena Lance, who purchased and updated the building in 2014, with help from Thrive Allen County.

“The reason we opened this up again is for the community,” Loren said. “There is an organization here called Allen County Thrive which focuses on small business, and they have been so supportive.”

Bicyclists take a break at the Mildred Store in Mildred, Kansas.

The Mildred Store offers grocery items, a meat market, deli meats and sandwiches (including the famous Charlie Brown Sandwich), cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, and special candies and deli trays for holidays, parties, and family gatherings.

Once a month, the store hosts a free block party in downtown Mildred, with live music and games, with store and deli open late to serve the community.

Thrive is proud to have helped Mildred retain their iconic store, which serves not only Mildred, but residents in the surrounding countryside, and nearby communities of Kinkaid, Lone Elm, Xenia, and Blue Mound, none of which have a market of their own.