After announcing earlier this summer the market was for sale or may close, Pete Wagner, owner of Kenyon Market in Kenyon confirmed a deal has been reached to sell the store to new local owners, keeping this important local business open in Kenyon.
Pete stated,” when we announced our challenges earlier this year, one of our goals was to try to new find local owners that could take over the store and take it to the next chapter,” Wagner continued, “we shared that news with the city while there was a solid business in place to allow a potential new owner a solid base while bringing new ideas to the store.” The deal is expected to close November 1, 2026.
Barney & Laura Nesseth of rural Wanamingo will be the new owners of Kenyon Market. Nesseth also confirmed the news. Nesseth stated, “We're excited to be the next owners of Kenyon Market. While the challenges still exist that prompted the Wagners to sell the store, we also feel local ownership and our involvement in town is an important aspect of the store's future.”
The Nesseth’s are no stranger to the grocery business.
Barney has about 15 years' experience running a grocery store, which he can rely on to make things run smoothly. Nesseth said, “I am looking forward to transitioning the employees into the new organization, and adding more as we get settled in. The deal came together pretty quickly once we decided to make an offer. We wanted to make sure the store would be well stocked for the holiday season”. Nesseth continued, "while we have to assess everything, some of the plans include expanding the meat department with more specialty items and homemade recipes as well as a new bakery department that will include fresh bakery items, custom cakes, cupcakes, donuts and breads. We also look forward to working with local farmers seasonally whenever possible to sell local produce and other local vendor items. We have more ideas on ways to better serve customers as we move forward. Our first goal is to get through the traditionally busy holiday season while simultaneously making some changes in the store as well.”
The Nesseths are also no strangers to our hometowns of Kenyon and Wanamingo. Barney was born, raised and is a 1983 “Wanamingo Bull Dog” graduate. The Nesseth’s were the longtime owners and operators of Buck Stop Grocery and Hometown Wine & Spirits in Wanamingo from 2005 until 2022 — the place locals knew for groceries, a quick chat, and someone behind the counter who knows your name. If you've bought milk, lottery tickets, or something a little stronger in Wanamingo in the last couple decades, chances are you bought it from Barney. The Nesseth’s also own and operate JB’s Tavern in Wanamingo and are partners with Angie Anderson at Angie's in Kenyon and with Sara Durhman at the Guilty Goose in Zumbrota. Also in Wanamingo, the Nesseth’s recently opened the new laundromat on mainstreet. In Kenyon, they have purchased and repurposed several mainstreet buildings, including the former Emerson Furniture building and the former Subway building.
Barney served as Goodhue County Commissioner, served on the K-W School Board, and currently as the 7th/8th grade football coach. Barneys says “Laura holds it all together for the family at home and in the community, supporting our businesses wherever she is needed, as well as volunteering at school and church.” Laura grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and the family trys to get back to visit family whenever possible. The Nesseth’s son Alec is in his third year of law school, preparing for the bar exam. Barney also is a chip designer who has worked on AI chips and many other semiconductor related chips.
The store will be re-named “Viking Meats and Grocery” a tip of the hat to the Kenyon Vikings!
Takeover date is planned to be Nov 1or 2 and will be closed a couple of days to get the changeover done. You can watch for more announcements in The Messenger, and on social media.
