Business
Making it in Big Sky: The Country Market


Published
6 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw Partners

By Sarah Gianelli EBS Senior Editor
BIG SKY – Located in the Meadow Village, The Country Market first opened in 1974, with Stephen and Lynne Anderson taking ownership 17 years ago. The Anderson’s goal has always been to be the community’s grocery store—not a specialty food store, but a place that can meet the needs and budgets of residents and tourists alike.
Co-owner Lynne Anderson spoke with EBS and shared her thoughts on what it takes to make it as a small business owner in Big Sky.
Explore Big Sky: What has been the key to your success?
Lynne Anderson: Never say die. I am German, and quit isn’t in my vocabulary. In addition to the business aspects of the grocery, though, I believe relationships are key to its success. We genuinely care about each person who walks through the door.
EBS: What are the biggest obstacles to operating a small business in Big Sky?
L.A.:Seasonality affects cash flow, for sure, while our remote location dictates the necessity of higher-than-expected price points. When you are a large business, like Costco or Walmart, you can rely on volume. Our environment does not afford that advantage.
EBS: How has the business landscape changed since you started out?
L.A.: It has expanded as Big Sky’s exposure has expanded. The expected selections and quality of service anticipated by our residents and guests has grown to be more diverse and sophisticated.
EBS: What advice would you give to small business owners just starting out in Big Sky?
L.A.: Plan to work your fingers to the bone—but never forget to look up and love where you live.
EBS: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
L.A.: Do your homework. Don’t ignore due diligence. Pay attention to detail. Treat people with dignity and respect—all people.
EBS: What does your business look like in 10 years?
L.A.: Hopefully not much different—taking care of the needs and wants of the community for every demographic. My goal has never changed. I always wanted to be Big Sky’s local grocer. However, I am always interested in doing it better.
EBS: What is one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a resident or business owner in Big Sky?
L.A.: As a resident, being part of a community that comes together to help its members in time of hardship or great need. I have not experienced such a giving community elsewhere.
As a business owner, receiving the Business Person of the Year Award from the Chamber of Commerce, only slightly above a thank you note with a hand drawn picture of a steaming cup of coffee from a “lifty” thanking us for providing him with free coffee for the season.
Having young people come into the store to say hello to Grandma Cookie and leaving with their free cookie.
EBS: Do you remember your first customer or first sale?
L.A.: No, but it was probably a cup of coffee—and probably free.
EBS: What was a business idea that didn’t work?
L.A.: I think the one that cost dearly was putting in a fresh fish bar shortly after buying the business. I was assured everyone would love to have fresh fish in Big Sky—definitely before its time.
EBS: Where do you see Big Sky in 20 years?
L.A.: Hopefully, Big Sky will be a fully developed community where all segments of the population can live, work and play in an environment of mutual value and respect.
EBS: Would you do it all over again?
L.A.: A thousand times, yes. Buyer’s remorse never set in. We have had too many wonderful experiences in Big Sky and because of Big Sky. Memories abound.
Country Market– by the numbers
Staff: Seven full-time, six part-time
Years in business: 17 years
Longest serving employee: Chris Martin, five and a half years
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.


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09dec5:30 pm8:00 pmSanta Claus is comin' to BASE5:30 pm - 8:00 pm BASE
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Open to the public—no BASE pass required. Meet the one and only Santa Claus! He’s busy this time of year, so don’t be late.
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The Waypoint 50 Ousel Falls Road 8:00pm | Free Join us for FREE music from North Fork Crossing at the Waypoint! Founded in early 2021, North Fork Crossing has quickly made
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50 Ousel Falls Road
Join us for FREE music from North Fork Crossing at the Waypoint!
Founded in early 2021, North Fork Crossing has quickly made their presence known all around Montana. Most notably in the beautiful Gallatin Valley where they live. In a little over a year they have been able to grow their audience to a wide range of listeners – consisting of traditional bluegrass lovers to die hard jam band enthusiasts.
Composed of 5 young multi-instrumentalists, North Fork Crossing can do it all. Their genre resides somewhere in a strange untapped musical realm between Traditional Bluegrass, Psychedelic Rock, Americana, and Folk. The quintet – Cade Slayden (guitar), Ryan Kelly (mandolin), Rabi Phelan (upright bass), Silas Rea (fiddle), and Matt Hickey (banjo) are drawn to having Bluegrass reach a new younger generation of people, priding themselves on their unique sound being the “evolution of string band music”
North Fork Crossing has just recently finished writing an album – which they are now in the process of recording, and look forward to releasing into the world. In the meantime, they have no shortage of shows for you to enjoy all around the state. So whether you’re a Traditional Bluegrass fanatic, or a Psychedelic Rock aficionado, North Fork Crossing blends it all (with something a little extra) for a fast paced, high energy show that all music lovers will enjoy!
More info: https://bigskyarts.org/events/north-fork-crossing-winter2023
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Live Music every Friday and Saturday at Tips Up! Here's December's lineup: Friday December 1st – Jacob Roundtree duo - Indy Folk - 9:45PM Friday
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Live Music every Friday and Saturday at Tips Up! Here’s December’s lineup:
- Friday December 1st – Jacob Roundtree duo – Indy Folk – 9:45PM
- Friday December 8th – Jazz Lettuce – Funk Jam – 9:45PM
- Saturday December 9th – DJ Take a Chance – Psy/Trans/House – 10:00PM
- Friday December 15th – Squirrel Gravy – Jam Band – 9:45PM
- Saturday December 16th – DJ Chedda – Hip/Hop/Scratch – 10:00PM
- Tuesday December 19th – Western Roots line dancing 7:30 PM
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- Saturday December 30th – John Roberts y Pan Blanco – Afro Funk – 9:45pm
- Sunday December 31st – DJ Big Lou – Latin Beat Top 40’s – 10:00pm
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Tips Up
76 Town Center Ave