A new chapter has commenced at Hungry Jack’s General Store, an iconic grocery and mercantile in Wilson. Since closing for renovations under new ownership in February, the floors have been polished, the walls were treated to a fresh coat of paint, and new or rearranged displays now make for a more efficient use of shelf space. More importantly, the folks involved in renovating the establishment were predominantly members of Hungry Jack’s Company, the organization that will, moving forward, own and operate the general store under a new community-owned-business model.
Hungry Jack’s was founded by Dorothy and Clarence Stearns in 1954. Since 1989, the store has been run by their daughter, Jana Stearns. When Stearns began to seek out options for moving on from Hungry Jack’s, community members came together to form Hungry Jack’s Company. As stated by the company, their mission is:
Hungry Jack’s Company is in business to serve the grocery and general store needs for the local community and visitors of Teton County, Wyoming. Hungry Jack’s is a community owned business where emphasis is placed on providing staples and goods at reasonable prices. While the Hungry Jack’s Company seeks to make a profit, it puts community interests first and financial returns second. Hungry Jack’s features local and regional goods as well as products made in the USA. For imported goods, Hungry Jack’s makes every effort to ensure best labor and environmental practices are honored in relation to those items. Hungry Jack’s is an inclusive community and workplace.
While the town of Wilson has always been unique, the collective effort showcased in the purchase of Hungry Jack’s by the Hungry Jack’s Company showcases an unmatched collaborative spirit among members of the greater Jackson Hole community. At the time of the sale, Stearns’ real estate agent, Ed Liebzeit, told the Jackson Hole News&Guide, “Jana wanted Hungry Jack’s to continue to serve the community. We had other interested parties, but Jana was willing to accept the lower price to continue the Hungry Jack’s legacy.” In a press release by Hungry Jack’s Company, the board of the organization echoed, “This is a triumph of grassroots capital raising. This broad base of support is hard proof that the Hungry Jack’s Company of Wilson, Wyoming really is a community-owned business.”
As a post on the new Hungry Jack’s Instagram account aptly states, it’s “a new beginning for a timeless place.” Returning patrons will notice new lights, displays, and the opportunity to represent Hungry Jack’s with their new line of merchandise. While the exterior of the structure remains practically unchanged, renovations to the interior make the new space feel open and airy. Still, it has the feel of Hungry Jack’s—the one stop shop of Wilsonites to purchase goods and groceries without battling the traffic and construction between Wilson and Jackson. In addition to groceries, patrons will find various home goods, camping supplies, wine and beer available for purchase.
Aside from the physical transformation, the shift to community ownership has been a significant milestone for Hungry Jack’s and the community it serves. It was the grassroots efforts of members of Hungry Jack’s Company that facilitated the transition to community ownership. This means that locals now have a direct stake in the success and operation of the store. It’s a testament to our tight-knit community and it sets a promising foundation for a thriving future for this beloved establishment.
Visit Hungry Jack’s at 5655 WY-22 in Wilson, where the store is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
