“The Depot” transforms former Potter grocery store building into multi-vendor marketplace

POTTER, Neb. (KOLN) -A former grocery store in Potter is now open as a community marketplace designed to support local entrepreneurs and fill local needs.

The Depot operates in a building that housed Potter’s original grocery store in the 1970s. Co-owner Drew Enevoldsen said the concept addresses challenges small towns face in sustaining traditional retail.

“It’s very hard to run a grocery store,” Enevoldsen said. “So we thought, well, let’s let’s diversify and let’s get more people involved, make it more of like an entrepreneurship springboard.”

The building is owned by the Potter Historical Foundation, a 501c3 charity started to keep businesses operating in town. Enevoldsen and his wife developed the multi-vendor idea, which allows local business owners to sell products without managing an entire store.

The store’s bakery has become its primary draw. The former meat department was converted into a commercial kitchen space now operated by Katherine Weisbrook, who previously sold baked goods from her home.

“That is really been our driving force,” Enevoldsen said.

The certified commercial kitchen also serves entrepreneurs testing food-based businesses, including food trucks and baking operations.

Potter is located 20 miles from the nearest grocery store. Enevoldsen said customers frequently request basic items like milk, eggs and propane refills.

The store stocks grocery items, dog food, barbecue supplies, hot sauce, local flour, local popcorn, gloves, fuel additives, health products and frozen beef from local producers.

“Everybody in here is a local entrepreneur of some kind,” Enevoldsen said.

He said the business model came from observing customer requests at other ventures that operate in Potter, including a coffee shop and The Potter Sundry.

Enevoldsen said communities considering similar projects should be willing to experiment and listen to local needs.

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