Scenic Ridge Foods is a popular shopping space
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LOGANTON -- Six years ago Sam and Salinda Lapp opened Scenic Ridge Foods, marking a new era for the people of Sugar Valley when they moved the store from Rauchtown to Loganton.
Residents of the small town never thought they would see the day when they could purchase a pineapple, in a snow storm, in February, in downtown Loganton -- but since March 13, 2017 it's been a reality for them.
The shop is located in the gym and cafeteria areas of the former Sugar Valley Elementary and High School building, and from the day they opened, Scenic Ridge has been well received and a popular shopping space for locals and out-of-towners alike.
"The past six years have been very challenging with all the price increases and supply shortages," explained Sam. "But at the same time it was very rewarding -- it feels like we learned a lot and are still learning, and having a lot of fun at the same time."
Customers of Scenic Ridge Foods come from near and far to get Sam's good deals.
"It is a wonderful store -- very convenient for us here in the Valley," said Becky Carey of Loganton. "It has opened new doors for our shopping needs. Everyone that works there is so friendly!"
Daphne Seretis of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, spent the summers of her youth growing up in Sugar Valley, and says that while she remembers the vintage general store in Loganton, Scenic Ridge is a standard stop for her family when they are in town.
"My heart will always be with Cora Schrack's little Loganton Store which has so many memories for me," said Daphne. "However, I love shopping at Scenic Ridge! I can find many of the truly Pennsylvania specialities there. Pretzels and baked goods, summer sausage and cheeses," she explained. "The owners and staff are always very helpful and welcoming. I can also stock up on housewares we need for our stay. They even have Pennsylvanian candy! The absolute best added bonus is nipping into Nan's Donuts on Wednesday and Saturday!"
Sam says it's his goal to serve his neighbors with kindness. "The community and customers have been so great, and we've made a lot of good friends," he said. "We hope we can continue to be a good service for their grocery needs and produce. We want to give them quality products at reasonable prices."
Like a good mentor, he gives credit where it's due, and in this case, it's the staff of Scenic Ridge whom he says helps to make the shop what it is today. "We are thankful for all the good help in the store -- from working in the deli and bakery to stocking. They really do a lot behind the scenes to keep the products coming in, and on the shelves."
Herbs and spices line the dry goods area in alphabetical order, and come in a rainbow of colors, with nuanced items like cardamom or saffron threads readily available.
Flours of all kinds for all your baking needs -- bread flour, pastry flour, rye flour, corn flour -- are always there.
The store thoughtfully carries a wide range of gluten free ingredients like coconut flour, almond flour, rice flour and gluten free baking mixes for breads, cakes and biscuits. Pre-made gluten free noodles, spaghetti and other gluten free treats are located on a shelf near the check-out area.
Scenic Ridge stocks household items like coffee, baking items, cleaning supplies, pet items and health foods, including vitamins and essential oils.
The hard-line section of Scenic Ridge contains diapers, paper towels and toilet tissue, some from First Quality in McElhattan.
The walk-in cooler at Scenic Ridge features dairy items, frozen foods and fresh produce that often will be from local growers. The shop carries John F. Martin and Walnut Creek lunch meats and cheese, as well as locally made cheeses, ice cream and milk from Nittany Valley.
Some of Sam's biggest sellers are in the back corner of the store in the area known as the "Bargain Center," where shoppers will find a selection of discounted close-out and salvage items from snack bars to soup to canned goods, many from brand-name companies. "These items come and go, so buy it while you see it, because the next time you come in, it might be gone," said Sam.
Scenic Ridge stocks a large selection of nuts like macadamia, almonds, peanuts, walnuts and pecans, some in unsalted raw form, which are often hard to find.
A vast healthfood section sits inside the door, packed with vitamins, oils, supplements and lots of homeopathic options.
Throughout the week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the store makes fresh homemade bread. Wednesday's offerings include sticky buns, whoopie pies and other baked goods.
From herbs to lunch meat to vitamins, Scenic Ridge really is your "one stop shop" for many of your household and lifestyle needs, but what you'll come back for most of all are the friendly hellos and happy faces.
"I would like to thank all of our customers for the great amount of support they have shown us," said Sam. "It has been a big blessing."
Scenic Ridge Foods is located at 98 South St., Loganton, Pa. 17747. They can be reached at 570-725-2108.
Store hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday.