Bulk Food Superstore Set to Open in Area Downtown
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 25, 2023
FROM THE CITY OF BUCKHANNON
Downtown is excited to welcome one of Central West Virginia's most popular businesses to its new location at 7 East Main Street. The 'Bulk Food Superstore,' formerly of Braxton County, will open next to Stone Tower Brews this week.
Upshur County residents have long enjoyed the offerings at the 'Bulk Foods Superstore' when traveling South on I-79, but now, our favorite Amish cheeses, meats, sauces, spices, candies, hand-dipped ice cream, and specially crafted sandwiches will be available much closer to 
home.
home.
Pamela Widener, owner of the 'Bulk Foods Superstore,' closed her one and only location in Flatwoods last Summer, but knew she wanted to continue her business in a new location. "Downtown Buckhannon is the perfect fit for our business," said Wider. "I'm excited to meet and serve the people of this great community. It's a dream come true.”
In February, Upshur County Development Authority Executive Director, and Mayor of the City of Buckhannon, Robbie Skinner, reached out to Widener asking her to open a new store in Downtown Buckhannon. "I am thrilled Pam and her family chose to reopen their store here in our City, and we welcome them with open arms," remarked Skinner.
Following their first meeting in Flatwoods, Widener joined Mayor Skinner here in Buckhannon to see the storefront in-person and meet other store owners on Main Street. "I wanted her to get a feel for the place; to get a first-hand account as to what it's like to own a retail establishment in our Downtown," added Skinner.
"I wouldn't be here without him," said Widener. "Mayor Skinner has gone above and beyond, helping me every step of the way as I've worked to set up shop here on Main Street, and I cannot thank him enough."
The City of Buckhannon is proud to have an extraordinary reputation as being one of the most attractive and most business-friendly communities anywhere in West Virginia. Skinner attributes this to the city's $1,000,000 business and occupation (B&O) tax exemption, 100% free parking in the Downtown area, a streamlined permitting process at City Hall, and having a proactive approach to attracting new business in our local economy.
"Buckhannon is the only city in West Virginia to give businesses a $1,000,000 B&O tax exemption.
That means, if annual sales do not gross at least $1,000,000, the business will not pay the City of Buckhannon. I believe that policy is a big reason why our Downtown is thriving, and why small businesses see our community as a great place to set up shop," said Skinner.
The 'Bulk Food Superstore' will be open seven days per week and is looking to hire part-time help. Owner Pam Widener is planning an official ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration later this Summer with the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce.
"I'm already so impressed with this community," said Widener. "I want to help add to and be part of what makes Buckhannon so special, and I hope everyone enjoys and supports our new store!”
Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of the City of Buckhannon.
