Working in a convenience store is “the ultimate people person job,” said Patty Peterson, manager at Farmer’s Grandson Eatery, a foodservice concept and convenience store with locations in Lakeville and Eagan, Minnesota. She has worked at Farmer’s Grandson since 2018 and spent years managing other c-stores prior to that. “In a c-store, you really get to know people, your regulars and other customers, and develop a relationship with them. If you’re a people person who truly loves to connect with people, you won’t get this kind of job satisfaction many other places. It’s one of the reasons why I love coming to work everyday,” she said. 

Why she loves working in the convenience industry

It wasn’t until Covid that I really discovered how important we as convenience stores are to people. We were the only businesses open. We could be the only place for a parent who needs a fever reducer for their young child at night, a diabetic person who needs orange juice or just someone that needs a clean restroom. There are so many things that we provide to the community, even if it’s just the basics, that makes us so much more than just somewhere to grab a pop or a snack. 

What she finds most fulfilling about her job

It’s one thing to tell people how to do something, but I like to lead by example, that way the people I work with can feel relaxed, be themselves and really let their personalities come out. There’s not a whole lot of businesses where you can do that because you have to be really professional. But in our store, we are friendly, greet customers by name and really get to know them. And regular customers really appreciate that too, because you are part of the community for them and they connect with you that way. 

Her most memorable moment at work

Last year a young gentleman came into the store, he smiled at me and said ‘you don’t remember me, but I sure remember you.’ He shared with me that when he’d come into the store years ago, he’d been in a very bad place in his life. I had asked him how his day was going and talked to him for a little bit, and whatever I said to him made such an impact on him that that was the day he started making decisions to turn his life around and get back on track…and now he’s doing really well. 

He came back to the store to tell me that—that it all started with me. I tear up when I think about this story. We all know that kind words make a difference to people, but mine really changed his life. That means so much to me.  

See Patty in action at Farmer's Grandson Eatery in this NACS Ideas 2 Go video.