Denny’s strives to meet customer needs

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Tuesday, October 7, 2008

When Denny Nosbish purchased the former Highway Station at Henning in 1977, he knew he wanted to expand.

“Back then, when I bought the building that also had been used by Dower Lumber Company, we had only the station and two old-fashioned gas pumps,” said Denny who owns the business with his wife, Ellen, a Henning native. “I could predict some of the things we’ve added. Others came into play that I couldn’t have even imagined.”

Today, Denny’s Food-N-Sport Shop in Henning is a full-fledged convenience store with groceries, deli (including subs, wraps, pizza, burgers, sandwiches and more), sporting goods, movie and game rentals and a nearby car and truck wash.

“We take pride in offering a full line of hunting and fishing supplies,” Nosbish said. “It won’t be long before ice fishermen come in to purchase ice fishing supplies — spears and the like — as well as warm clothing.”

Denny’s also caters to motorcycle riders, with a full line of cycle jackets, cycle chaps, cycle (saddle) bags and leather accessories.

During the summer months Denny’s Food-N-Sport Shop organizes its own fishing contests. The convenience store also is a place where deer hunters will register each November — in light of Denny’s Food-N-Sport Shop being an official big game registration station. Denny’s organizes a deer hunting big buck contest each fall.

“Ice cream novelties, ice cream by the scoop, various coffees such as Cappuccino, and hot chocolate also are popular here,” Nosbish said. “Ice cream and slushes are especially popular during the summer months. This time of year, before and after football games, people stop here for a cup of hot chocolate.”

People who need bus transportation, eastward along Highway 210 between Henning and Fergus Falls, can board the Transit Alternatives bus each morning at 6:30 a.m. Denny’s advertises this service as park and ride at the convenience store.

“Diversification with many products and services is the only way to make it in the convenience store business these days,” Nosbish said. “You have to keep on top of things and give people what they want.”