General Store reopens in time for Laconia festival

J.C. Lyell, Staff Writer, [email protected]

The Laconia General Store, located at 11505 Main St., has updated its look with a freshly remodeled kitchen and new floors inside the store.

The building, which was constructed in 1927 after the Odd Fellows’ lodge and general store that previously inhabited the site burned, also now has public rest rooms and safety railings on its front porch.

David Steen, who runs the store, said renovations were made to allow for more eating space and to facilitate more interaction among Laconia’s residents and visitors.

“It’s a community gathering place of sorts,” he said. “It’s a really nice and comfortable place to come in, sit down and grab a bite to eat and to visit.”

Steen said the store’s menu has expanded and now includes a larger selection of sandwiches made to order, pizzas, various hot meals for lunch and breakfast items. The store also sells Wolf Weiners products, including hot dogs and brats, which are made in Palmyra.

Steen said the store is working on installing card-reading gas pumps that will soon allow for 24/7 fueling.

The Laconia General Store is owned by CFC Properties, whose president, Jim Murphy, said a big goal for the store is to be consistent in its hours and offerings.

“We have a very friendly atmosphere and just phenomenal customer service,” he said. “One thing we take pride in is working with the community.”

The store is a gathering place for those who attend the annual Celebrate Laconia parade and festival, which will take place Saturday, Oct. 12 (see information below). Around the holiday season, children will be able to visit the store to have breakfast with Santa Claus, too.

Murphy said he encourages those driving the scenic roads of southern Harrison County to stop by.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Once daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3 this year, the store will start closing an hour earlier; however, it will resume normal hours after the spring-time change on the second Sunday of March.