WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath) — Kenny’s Store celebrated 50 years in business on November 25. Many people in the area probably only ever knew it as Kenny’s Store. Previously it was Conroy’s Store until it changed hands in 1969.
Before it changed hands however, a British Petroleum (BP) representative came to Mr. Conroy presenting him with a 25 year plaque for continuously serving BP gasoline. It was the longest stretch of selling BP gas at the time in all of Canada. Also back then, it was one of four stores in the village and one of four outlets selling gas – now Kenny’s is the only one remaining for both.
When Bryan and June Kenny married, their second home in Westmeath, a former tavern, was adjacent to the back of Conroy’s Store. When a business arrangement was struck with the Conroy’s the name changed to Kenny’s. This was a stroke of luck for June as she was planning on getting a job in Pembroke. Now her work would be in the store, giving her time to be there for five children, Paul, Brenda, Steve, Terry and Karen. This was especially convenient when school finished for the day. Two more children arrived afterwards, Paula and Jane. As with any new business it was a tough start but perseverance saw their retail business grow over the years.
Another important benefit Mrs. Kenny said, “when my children were around 12 years old, it was time for them to step behind the counter and learn how to deal with customers the polite way.” The tradition continued for many of grandchildren too. “Some were shy, only able to say ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ at first. With experience they came out of their shell, picking up confidence and social skills along the way.”
There were many part time employees working in the store over the years, easily bonding with the Kenny family. They too became more accomplished on the job, getting to know the local people and what was happening in town. In 2010, the senior Kenny’s stepped down, turning the business over to their sons Paul and Steve and their wives. During the transition phase, the store was under the guidance of grandson Todd Kenny.
Shortly after, Paul retired from his successful career in the legal field which he enjoyed, but involvement in the store in Westmeath was better. “I don’t have as far to drive to work now,” Paul remarked about a change he noticed over the last 20 years.
Steve retired a year or two later from a career at AECL at Chalk River. Even though he had enough to keep him busy at home, he still prefers to be involved with the store. “It’s a way of being involved in the community. I enjoy meeting people when they come into the store and look forward to chatting with them.”
It is important to these owners they buy locally where possible; honey and maple syrup for instance. There is much customer support and conversely the store is very generous in supporting local events and fundraisers.
Currently other than the two couples, Paul and Cheryl, and Steve and Sharon, who work in the store as needed, there are seven full time and part time employees. One of Paul’s favourite stories is of one young man who applied for a job. He was very shy but Paul gave him a chance and he ended up working there for two years. While at work there he made contact with someone who needed an apprentice at a mechanic’s garage. Just what he wanted and he jumped at the option, got certified and is now working for a Mercedes dealer in Ottawa. He still keeps in touch with Paul when he is in town.
Responsibilities are divided up between the owners. Steve and wife Sharon look after all the groceries. Cheryl sources specialty items (Muskoka coffee from Huntsville and Stonewall Kitchen items are just two examples) and makes the store schedule for employees. Paul is general management, ordering the beer and alcohol. He enjoys mixing it up a little, choosing a beer for sentimental reasons or a new wine that is trending. He stocks local brewery, Whitewater Brewing Co., and Farmer’s Daughter is still its best seller. If a customer has a preference and he doesn’t have on the shelf, he will order in. Sometimes it might be a mover, sometimes not. His main purpose is to provide what the public desires.
There have been many physical changes to the layout of the store since they took over, optimizing floor space. There are 17 new high-efficiency refrigerated coolers which are fitted in every nook and cranny. Additional insulating and converting to propane reduced energy costs, especially in the cold months as all those compressors generated about as much heat as required. In the summer, the air conditioning runs almost constantly. A new Point of Sales computer system and new gas pups were installed, both big changes to keep them busy. As time passes, the next generation will likely keep the Kenny legacy going for as long as… who knows!
