Jack & Jill’s new owner to host customer appreciation
By Kate Ruggles
Farmer Staff Writer
On June 29, Liebel’s Jack & Jill, a staple of the Watford City community and one of the city’s few remaining long-standing businesses, took on new ownership.
Ken Jedneak, who for the better part of his life has lived an hour north of the Minneapolis area, purchased the store from its former owners, Bill and Lonnie Liebel.
“I wanted to get out of the city and into a smaller community,” states Jedneak.
But Jedneak has not just moved to a smaller community, he has invested in it.
“We (Jedneak and the Jack & Jill team) want to continue to be a part of the community, just like Bill and Lonnie were,” states Jedneak. “We want to sponsor the things they sponsored and be involved in the things they were involved with. That is why I bought this store.”
Jedneak states that he is focused on providing quality customer service as well as taking care of his customers and the community.
Therefore, Jedneak will continue the Jack & Jill tradition of delivering groceries on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 p.m.
Also, since taking over the Jack & Jill grocery store at the end of June, Jedneak has supported the McKenzie County Fair, the Baseball Booster Club, and the McKenzie County 4-H.
“We intend to remain heavily involved with the school as well,” states Jedneak. “Everything will remain the same as far as what we provide to community groups and functions, schools and churches.”
To solidify that sentiment, Jack & Jill will be kicking off their Customer Appreciation Week this Wednesday, Aug. 28.
“Because this is not a new business, we cannot have a Grand Opening. But we want our customers and our community to know that we appreciate them,” states Melissa Dornfeld, store manager. “We appreciate the loyalty of our customers. And we love this town and the people in it.”
Through Jack & Jill’s Customer Appreciation Week, Jedneak and Dornfeld want to give people a chance to get to know them, as well as visit the store since it has changed hands.
“We have enjoyed getting to know the people who shop here,” states Jedneak. “It is fun to hear their stories whether they have been here for a long time or have just moved here.”
Jedneak is inviting people to visit Jack & Jill’s grocery store during the week of Aug. 28 through Sept. 3 and experience their deals on food items and store merchandise, as well as their high quality customer service.
“We are the only place in town that still bags groceries for its customers and carries them out to their car,” states Jedneak.
Additionally, Jedneak states that Jack & Jill is the only place in town that butchers their meat fresh daily in the store.
“Customers can always come in and see myself or Melissa working,” states Jedneak. “I believe it is another reason we provide such great customer service.”
During Jack & Jill’s Customer Appreciation Week, there will also be a drawing every day for a $50 gift card, as well as free donuts and coffee on Thursday and Friday.
Jedneak states that he feels passionately about his new community as well as keeping Watford City’s downtown area vibrant.
“We need to keep this part of Watford City alive,” states Jedneak. “And with all the changes that have taken place, it would be nice to continue to have a thriving Main Street.”
Jedneak has been in the grocery store and gas station business in some fashion for most of his career. He is married with four children and two grandchildren.
According to Jedneak, his wife also loves the area and is looking forward to being able to settle in Watford City.