50 year anniversary of Andy’s this June 21 in Wikwemikong

Manitowabi siblings in 1971: Lottie, Gordon, Rowland, Blanche, Jessie, Andrew's wife Josephine, Andrew and his mother Pauline.
Manitowabi siblings in 1971: Lottie, Gordon, Rowland, Blanche, Jessie, Andrew’s wife Josephine, Andrew and his mother Pauline.
Andrew Manitowabi and Ogimaa Peltier.
Andrew Manitowabi and Ogimaa Peltier.

By Rick Garrick

Andy’s Shell and Groceries general manager Shannon Manitowabi is planning two ribbon cuttings on June 21 to celebrate 50 years of service to Wikwemikong and area.

“We are trying to advertise our shop local campaign,” Manitowabi says. “We are now an IFT, Andy’s Independent Food Town, which is under the Sobey’s umbrella. We are going to do a ribbon cutting for our new grocery banner. (And) we are looking into changing our Tru Hardware to Ace Hardware, so we are going to be doing a ribbon cutting for that.”

The celebration will also include live events and big sales in all departments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2174 Wikwemikong Way.

“We are going to have carnival-style celebrations outside in our parking lot under a big tent,” Manitowabi says. “We’ll be having small giveaways, super sales (and) a barbeque. We’re still in the midst of planning it and finalizing it.”

Manitowabi’s grandfather, Andrew Manitowabi, opened up the business with the help of his family in 1966 out of his home, which was located further along Wikwemikong Way by the Wikwemikong Holy Cross Mission Church.

“As Wikwemikong was growing, they decided to keep growing with it,” Manitowabi says. “So they opened up with a washer and dryer, a little convenience store and one pump.”

Andrew moved the business to its present location in 1980, with a larger laundromat and a larger grocery store. The business was expanded again in 1990 with the addition of a second building and the Manitowabi Clothing and Gifts store. A couple of years later a hardware store was also added to the business.

“I started working here when I was 14,” Manitowabi says, noting her first job was to make sandwiches. “I was in Andy’s Coffee Shop. I was going to school and working here part time.”

The business added banking services in 2001 through a partnership with RBC and a The Source franchise in 2006.

“From one gas pump, we have two gas pumps,” Manitowabi says. “We have a minimal basic garage operation for oil changes and tire rotations.”

Manitowabi says the grocery store offers hot meals, a bakery and a meat department.

“The next local grocery is in the next town over — Manitowaning,” Manitowabi says. “(Customers) usually come in for their evening snacks and next-day purchases for their lunches.”

Manitowabi says the hot meals sales are growing for people who don’t have enough time to prepare lunch or dinner.

“Our hot meals have a lot of home-cooked meals,” Manitowabi says. “We try to do a daily special. Our lunch special would range from $6 to $8 (for) either a spaghetti and garlic bread or a cabbage roll (meal). Dinners are from $8 to $10 for either braised ham with scallop potatoes or spicy noodles. Every week we post our menus up on our Facebook page.”

Manitowabi says her grandfather, now 94, is happy with the growth the business has achieved over the years.

“He likes that it is busy,” Manitowabi says. “Whenever he gets out, he sees that there are always cars in the parking lot so he knows people are coming to shop. He can’t believe how busy it is and all the different (products) we carry. We are more or less a one-stop shopping centre for Wikwemikong and Manitoulin Island.”

Manitowabi has filled a number of roles over the years, from grocery cashier to clothing cashier to office supervisor. She returned as general manager about one year ago after previously leaving to pursue other employment opportunities.

“We just hope that everyone can join us on June 21,” Manitowabi says.