Western Choice Co-operative, Sidney, offers a full deli, convenient 24 pumps and a well-stocked C-Store. (Photo by Dianne Swanson)
Member owned Western Choice Cooperative is proud to serve its farmer-rancher members as well as casual customers visiting their stores. A C-store, Hardware Hanks, a tire shop and a car wash in Killdeer, ND along with C-stores in Manning, ND and Sidney, MT complete the holdings of this 88-year-old business. Founded in 1935 as Farmers Union Oil, the coop became Western Choice in 2016. It is member-producer-owned with a board of directors and a general manager who hires department managers who oversee each location and hire shift leads, etc.
Controller and HR and Payroll administrator Andy Frost explained that the Manning and Sidney locations follow the Killdeer model which has been very successful. However, customers are the backbone of the business and their opinions are valued. If they feel something needs to change or be added, the directors listen.
The Sidney store was purchased from CHS Farmers Elevator in 2019. Manager Michelle Judd is proud of the location which offers a full functioning deli open Monday-Friday from 5 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The fully stocked and staffed deli offers pizza as well as cook to order items.
An extensive remodel created the new deli as well as new bathrooms. Frost stated that their number one goal is to make their customers happy with a clean, efficient, easy to use facility. "We pride ourselves on making our locations easy to do business at," he said.
Regular store hours are 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Their 24 hour pay-at-the-pump station accepts all major credit cards as well as Western Cooperative cards.
Judd is a Sidney native who currently resides in Fairview with her husband. She is the mother of three, step-mom to five and grandma of ten kids. With her extensive experience including several years in management, retail and the food industry, Frost says she is a fantastic fit. Her goal is to make the Sidney store the best she possibly can. Judd also donates a great deal of time to Special Olympics in both Sidney and Fairview, helping with many events.
Some exciting news! A client has rented the vacant space next to the C-store and is installing batting cages for the public. It will be open soon.
Western Choice Cooperative operates on the same business model as other coops, owned by its members, and beholden to its customers. It truly appreciates the support of the communities it serves.
The Sidney store is located at 1281 S. Central Ave. Stop by or call them at 406-433-1401.
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