Vermont Business Magazine Fifty years ago, Gail and Mark Horne took a drive through the Champlain Islands and fell in love with South Hero, where they decided to buy a “little” grocery store and raise their family. Wendy, born three years later, took an interest in the store after college and is now a co-owner of the family business.
Over the years, Keeler’s Bay Variety Store has earned the designation, “The Heart of the Island”, where customer service and community matter. KBV is like a general country store, only bigger with the largest 802 Spirits liquor store in the Champlain Islands. There is a grocery, deli, meat department with an instore butcher, bakery, beer cave, and gas pumps—where one can find everything from hand-cut steaks to fishing licenses.
As stated by U.S. Senator Peter Welch, “Independent, family-run grocers like Keeler’s Bay Variety Store are the cornerstones of rural communities, and it’s wonderful to celebrate 50 years of dedication to the Green Mountain State. Vermont values always come back to the mission of neighbors helping neighbors, and that’s what makes a milestone like this so meaningful.”
The original owners Andre and Marion Champagne had the store for approximately four years before the Hornes purchased it in 1974. Since then, the Hornes have significantly expanded the store to include a deli, a walk-in beer cave, and an expanded meat room. With the increase in the popularity of craft beverages and specialty products over the years, they have dedicated more space for local produce and specialty products from the Champlain Islands and Vermont producers.
KBV is an active member of the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association, Associated Grocers of New England, Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation, and Champlain Islanders Developing Essential Resources (C.I.D.E.R.).
According to Jordan Posner, C.I.D.E.R’s executive director “Keeler's Bay Variety is integral to the landscape and heartbeat of South Hero and Grand Isle County. From its decades long association with CIDER and the Champlain Islands Food Shelf, KBV exemplifies what it truly means to be neighbors helping neighbors."
In 2017 KBV was named Business of the Year by the Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation (LCIEDC). The store’s renowned customer service helped KBV to stand out, along with the family’s involvement in the community and its contributions to local nonprofits.
According to LCIEDC’s Executive Director Andy Julow, “Keeler’s Bay Variety is more than a store, it’s a community asset. The Horne family has shown relentless commitment to their community over their 50 years. From event sponsorships to generous food and supply donations, KBV has been a shining example of a business that is invested in more than just the bottom line.”
In 2000 Keeler’s Bay Variety Store was honored as Grocer of the Year at the Vermont Grocers Association Convention.
"We are thrilled to celebrate Keeler's Bay Variety's 50th anniversary," said Erin Sigrist, president of Vermont Retail and Grocers Association. "This milestone is a testament to the dedication and community spirit of Mark, Gail, and Wendy Horne, instilled in their practice since purchasing the store in 1974. The KBV crew, Gail especially, has been a force with the association for decades. Her commitment to ensuring representation of the independent grocers can still be recognized in our practices today. And the entire KBV crew’s exemplary commitment to providing essential goods and exceptional customer service has been unwavering as South Hero has grown. Congratulations to Gail, Mark, Wendy and the entire KBV team.”
Five decades later, the store operated by the Horne family and their dedicated team of employees, has become a South Hero fixture committed to serving the customers and community they love. Gail and Mark Horne say “It has been a privilege to be a part of and serve this community for 50 years. We are very happy our daughter Wendy will continue the Horne tradition”.
To help commemorate this special occasion, KBV has partnered with Kraemer & Kin Brewery in Alburg to produce a Semicentennial ale, “The Heart of the Island,” a Red IPA brewed with amaranth. The custom brew will be available exclusively at the store, along with merchandise branded with KBV’s 50th emblem.
To share this important milestone with customers, KBV will continue their annual tradition of hosting a Customer Appreciation Day. The 50th event is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, from 11am- 1 pm, with free food and giveaways, compliments of many of KBVs valued vendors. Donations collected at the store and during the event will be matched by KBV to benefit the South Hero Fire Department, and WOKO will be broadcasting live from the store.
Wendy Horne says, “This special occasion gives us a chance to show our appreciation to the community for all their support over the last 50 years! I am so proud to be part of this family and have a tremendous amount of gratitude for both my parents and the community”.
To learn more visit kbvstore.com/50-years.
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