Associated Food Stores (AFS) recently celebrated the grand opening of a new 23,000-square-foot Sam Patch convenience store at 825 E. Main St. in Wellsville, Utah.
Owned by Mike Baldwin of Wellsville and Jason Hurd of Tremonton, the store offers fresh food, groceries and fuel for residents in the southern part of Cache Valley.
The site also includes amenities such as fountain drinks, a made-to-order coffee program and selections from national and regional snack brands.
“The store is named after Sam Patch, a daredevil who made some big jumps in his life,” Baldwin said during the ceremony. “It felt like a big jump of faith to open a store like this in Wellsville.”
Wellsville Mayor Thomas Bailey welcomed the new business and encouraged residents to support it, noting the investment Baldwin has made in the community.
Those who attended the ceremony received free hamburgers and hot dogs, while Santa Claus made a surprise appearance.
Vendors including Monster Energy and Sara Lee Bakery gave out samples, and additional product tastings were offered inside the store. Basketball players from Utah State University later signed autographs and participated in shooting contests.
Sam Patch Grocers & Sundries features a deli, produce, meat department and household staples, along with what owners described as a hands-on, neighborly approach to customer service. It also has a Chevron fuel station.
AFS, a diversified retail company with convenience, home improvement, automotive and sporting goods banners, continues to invest in new store formats, enhanced fuel offerings and customer-focused services.
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