Lake Ann Grocery, the popular retail attraction in the heart of downtown Lake Ann is a must stop for anyone passing through or near Lake Ann. John and Sandy's as its locally known, has been a fixture in L. A. for the past twenty-five years. It is the type of old-time general store where one can find just about anything. In fact the motto that John uses is, "If we don't have it, you don't need it."

Located in an old building that dates back to the 1890's, it has plenty of rustic charm. Rarely can a shopper find a retail establishment that is more jam-packed with merchandise than Lake Ann Grocery. It is hard to believe that this bustling business had its humble beginnings in the front of what used to be the post office and general store.

The present building was constructed in about 1892 by William Habbler who owned and operated a saw mill behind the store on Lake Ann. From sometime in the 1930's until 1976 the store was also the local post office. It was operated the entire time by Max and Bea Goin. When a new post office was opened across the street, the store was closed.

After the building stood vacant for a few years along came John Nuske, who had moved to the area in 1976. The building caught his eye and he inquired about it with the realtor in Interlochen. In typical fashion he procrastinated and the building was sold to Larry and Carol Poulisse of Lake Ann. They were a couple who bought and fixed up properties to sell.

Not to be deterred, John inquired of the new owners and soon a deal was struck. On November 12, 1980 John Nuske became the proud owner of the old building on Maple Street in Lake Ann.

Now that the building was his the question was, what to do with it? After discussing the matter with his girlfriend Sandy Germeraad, who had a background in retailing, it was decided to pool their talents and experience and open a store.

Even though John had degrees in business and experience in the grocery trade, he was employed as a teacher. It was decided that if they were to be partners they better make it legal. On April 11, 1981 John and Sandy were married in his hometown of Port Huron. After a brief honeymoon they immediately set out to ready the old building to open as a store once again. On Friday morning June 26, 1981 Lake Ann Grocery, with lots of help from friends and family, opened its doors.

Initially only the front five or six hundred square feet of the building were used as retail space. As months and years passed the retail area steadily grew to fill the entire building. With a couple of additions and modifications the retail space is now over 4500 square feet. The basement looks like the next frontier to conquer. In 1981 John and Sandy offered just the basic convenience items such and groceries, pop, beer, etc. Every time they were asked for something that they didn't have they said, "We'll get it!" With all of the work on the old building, John had to make many trips to town for supplies and materials. He thought, why drive to town when I can get the stuff and sell it to myself and others who need the same things. Thus the hardware department was born.

As the business grew and sales increased John quit his teaching job in 1984 and devoted full time to the business. Over the years three sons were born, and grew up in the store. Who knows, they may someday run the place.

While retaining the rustic charm of a 19th century general store Lake Ann Grocery has grown to be much more than a convenience store. It has become a community resource for practically every need of the folks in the community.