Cahoy’s General Store was named 2025 Retailer of the Year by the South Dakota Retailers Association this past December. The Cahoys were presented with their award at an award banquet held in Pierre on January 13.

Formed in 1897, the South Dakota Retailers Association provides insightful information, guidance, strategic government engagement, and money-saving services to its members. It is the goal of the SD Retailers Association to strengthen and empower South Dakota businesses as they are the fabric of their local communities.

The history of Cahoy’s General Store began in 1986, when Steve and Kathy Cahoy opened the original Cahoy’s General Store in Bonesteel. The couple continued to run the store until 2011, when their son, Dan and his wife Trisha took over ownership. After operating the single store for several years, the Cahoys decided to expand the brand, opening the Lake Andes store in 2017. The Cahoys did not stop there as they are the current owners and operators of Cahoy’s General Stores, Cahoy’s Kitchen, and Mighty MoJo Coffee Co. In addition to the four Cahoy’s General Stores located in Bonesteel, Lake Andes, Tyndall, and Spencer, NE, three physical locations of Mighty MoJo Coffee Co in Lake Andes, Burke, and Winner, they also own a mobile coffee truck. Burke is the first location of Cahoy’s Kitchen, which is a very recent addition to the Cahoy’s company, offering fresh meat, deli meats, cheeses, and produce to dine in or carry out as well as convenience grab and go items. That location is also home to locally made items and products, specialty beers, etc.

When Dan first learned that Cahoy’s had been awarded 2025 Retailer of the Year, he was very excited as it was not at all expected. Both personally and professionally, receiving this award made Dan feel proud and honored that their company was chosen. He attributes the award to his excellent staff members that go above and beyond. “This incredible honor belongs to our employees and customers – the heart of our Cahoy’s family,” said owner Dan Cahoy.

One aspect that Dan feels is unique about the Cahoy’s company as a whole is the customer service. Staff are always friendly, wanting and willing to assist customers. As Cahoy’s is such a customer driven store, they do carry local products and if a customer wants something that the store currently does not carry, Dan is always willing to try to fulfill their product requests.

Future plans include a new Mighty MoJo Coffee Co. location in Atkinson, NE, and, as always, to continue improving their present locations in order to help keep the small rural towns alive.