Honoring the Best Businesses in South Dakota.
Presented annually since 1982 at the SD Retailers Business Conference, the South Dakota Retailers Association member awards recognize individuals or families who own or operate outstanding South Dakota businesses.
The South Dakota Retailers Association is seeking nominations for the South Dakota Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and Community Service Award. To nominate a business, fill out the form here.
The South Dakota Retailers Association is seeking nominations for the South Dakota Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and Community Service Award. To nominate a business, fill out the form here.
RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2024
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Buffalo Hardware was already a mainstay in the small community of Buffalo when Olson returned to his hometown and took over the business after graduating from college in 2014. The previous owner, who had planned to retire after running the store for 47 years, continues to work at the business.
Since assuming ownership, Olson has continued to grow both the types of services offered and the market area. The business delivers purchases to customers across a wide area.
“We show up at their doorstep and give the services that otherwise can’t be provided in rural America,” he noted.
The business has a solid reputation for outstanding customer service. Olson attributes that to his employees.
“I think the biggest reason people keep coming back is because of the people we employ,” he said. “They do a great job of caring for each individual that walks through the door. They go the extra mile to find what you need to get your project done to the best of your ability.”
Olson and his family now operate five businesses in Buffalo including the hardware store, Olson Construction, Buffalo Ranch Supply, Olson Propane, and Olson Fuels.
“We didn’t set out to buy five businesses,” Olson laughed. “Ultimately, we got into business to give more opportunities to people here and to grow our community.”
Retailers Association executive director Nathan Sanderson says Olson and his team exemplify what is best about the businesses that line Main Street South Dakota.
“They demonstrate a clear commitment to their customers and community and are a vital part of Buffalo and the surrounding area.”
Since assuming ownership, Olson has continued to grow both the types of services offered and the market area. The business delivers purchases to customers across a wide area.
“We show up at their doorstep and give the services that otherwise can’t be provided in rural America,” he noted.
The business has a solid reputation for outstanding customer service. Olson attributes that to his employees.
“I think the biggest reason people keep coming back is because of the people we employ,” he said. “They do a great job of caring for each individual that walks through the door. They go the extra mile to find what you need to get your project done to the best of your ability.”
Olson and his family now operate five businesses in Buffalo including the hardware store, Olson Construction, Buffalo Ranch Supply, Olson Propane, and Olson Fuels.
“We didn’t set out to buy five businesses,” Olson laughed. “Ultimately, we got into business to give more opportunities to people here and to grow our community.”
Retailers Association executive director Nathan Sanderson says Olson and his team exemplify what is best about the businesses that line Main Street South Dakota.
“They demonstrate a clear commitment to their customers and community and are a vital part of Buffalo and the surrounding area.”
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2024
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Skogen Kitchen is a chef-driven fine dining restaurant concept that offers a unique dining experience with each visit.
Owners Chef Joseph and Eliza Raney met while working in the restaurant industry in southern California. After moving to Custer and working for other restaurants, they decided to open their own restaurant in the summer of 2017. The name Skogen is a nod to Joseph’s Norwegian heritage. In Norwegian, the word Skogen means “forest” – a fitting name given the location.
Their ever-changing menu incorporates a variety of American cultural cuisines featuring fresh foods from across the country, including many locally-sourced foods.
“He takes a lot of fun ingredients and puts it together to make this masterpiece,” Eliza says of her husband. “He is so good about his flavors and layers of flavors. It’s really a party in your mouth!”
Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, says the Raneys have more than met their goal of being unique but not pretentious.
“The menu and the excellent service combine to deliver a dining experience that draws rave reviews,” Sanderson said. “Local customers, visitors from across the country, and restaurant review publications sing their praises.”
Joseph notes that the restaurant and the menu are small by design, to allow them to take really good care of each person, and serve the customer best.
“If you have an idea and you have an ability, you can try that anywhere,” Joseph said. “But we want to make sure that we’re advocating to our employees that you can follow your dreams whatever they are, just appreciate where you are. You’re in South Dakota.”
Owners Chef Joseph and Eliza Raney met while working in the restaurant industry in southern California. After moving to Custer and working for other restaurants, they decided to open their own restaurant in the summer of 2017. The name Skogen is a nod to Joseph’s Norwegian heritage. In Norwegian, the word Skogen means “forest” – a fitting name given the location.
Their ever-changing menu incorporates a variety of American cultural cuisines featuring fresh foods from across the country, including many locally-sourced foods.
“He takes a lot of fun ingredients and puts it together to make this masterpiece,” Eliza says of her husband. “He is so good about his flavors and layers of flavors. It’s really a party in your mouth!”
Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, says the Raneys have more than met their goal of being unique but not pretentious.
“The menu and the excellent service combine to deliver a dining experience that draws rave reviews,” Sanderson said. “Local customers, visitors from across the country, and restaurant review publications sing their praises.”
Joseph notes that the restaurant and the menu are small by design, to allow them to take really good care of each person, and serve the customer best.
“If you have an idea and you have an ability, you can try that anywhere,” Joseph said. “But we want to make sure that we’re advocating to our employees that you can follow your dreams whatever they are, just appreciate where you are. You’re in South Dakota.”
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD 2024
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Melissa Johnson started the business in 2009 in the middle of an economic downturn with just $67 in her business checking account and, as she says, “A great big dream to create beautiful things that bring people joy. That’s what we strive to do each and every day.”
South Dakota Retailers Association executive director Nathan Sanderson says she definitely accomplishes that goal.
“Her gourmet cupcakes brighten the days of her customers,” he said, “but she also brings happiness to the community through her dedicated support of local activities and causes.”
Her staff of “cupcake ninjas” enjoy doing team events such as serving The Banquet for families in need, coordinating a holiday toy drive for Children’s Home Society, and holding a pet food drive for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. Melissa also gives back to the community by donating cupcakes to the Bread Break organization, and donating a percentage of sales in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She serves on boards for the Children’s Home Society and the Avera Regional Council and has also been involved with the Compass Center and Volunteers of America.
“Generosity is one of our core values,” Melissa explained. “We take care of our community because good neighbors help support good neighbors.”
She believes it’s important to give back not just in great ways, but in small ways as well, pointing out that something as simple as sharing an extra smile may make the difference in the day of a person who is facing a challenge in their personal life.
“Of all the things I get to do in a day, my favorite role is professional encourager,” she shared. “Helping others along with their journey is really my life’s passion.”
South Dakota Retailers Association executive director Nathan Sanderson says she definitely accomplishes that goal.
“Her gourmet cupcakes brighten the days of her customers,” he said, “but she also brings happiness to the community through her dedicated support of local activities and causes.”
Her staff of “cupcake ninjas” enjoy doing team events such as serving The Banquet for families in need, coordinating a holiday toy drive for Children’s Home Society, and holding a pet food drive for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. Melissa also gives back to the community by donating cupcakes to the Bread Break organization, and donating a percentage of sales in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She serves on boards for the Children’s Home Society and the Avera Regional Council and has also been involved with the Compass Center and Volunteers of America.
“Generosity is one of our core values,” Melissa explained. “We take care of our community because good neighbors help support good neighbors.”
She believes it’s important to give back not just in great ways, but in small ways as well, pointing out that something as simple as sharing an extra smile may make the difference in the day of a person who is facing a challenge in their personal life.
“Of all the things I get to do in a day, my favorite role is professional encourager,” she shared. “Helping others along with their journey is really my life’s passion.”