By Scout Nelson
Emily and Kaden Roush, owners of Main Street Mercantile in Lebanon, Kansas, have been honored as the 2026 Rural Grocers of the Year. The award was presented at the National Rural Grocery Summit held in Fargo, North Dakota. This national recognition highlights their strong commitment to innovation, resilience, and community service in rural grocery retail.
Main Street Mercantile operates in a small town with fewer than 200 residents. Despite its size, the store has become an important part of the community. It offers essential grocery items along with fresh produce, meat, and locally made goods. The store is also known for its welcoming environment that attracts both residents and visitors.
When the Roushes purchased the store in 2022, it needed major improvements. They invested time and effort in renovating the building and improving services. Today, the store includes a full-service butcher counter and a wide variety of farm-raised meat products. Through partnerships with regional producers such as R Family Farms, the store now offers more than 300 types of meat products including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb.
“Emily and Kaden exemplify the spirit of the Rural Grocery of the Year award,” said Clara Misenhelter, Program Manager with RGI. “Their dedication and commitment to their community are truly commendable.”
The couple was recognized for improving food access, creating job opportunities, and supporting local farmers. Their store also serves as a community hub where people can meet and connect.
“This award means a lot because we are still very much in the middle of the work,” said Emily Roush. “Keeping a rural grocery store alive is not easy, but we believe small towns deserve access to good food, gathering places, and businesses that make people proud of where they live. Main Street Mercantile exists because our community kept showing up, and because we believe rural places are worth fighting for.”
The National Rural Grocery Summit brought together more than 300 participants to discuss ideas for improving food access in rural areas. The Rural Grocery Initiative, which organizes the event, works to support small grocery stores and strengthen rural communities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera
Categories: Kansas, Business, General