Located in the northeastern-most corner of North Dakota, the Pembina grocery store has long served as more than a place to pick up essentials. For owners Kevin and Deanna Hager, D & K Grocery is a community lifeline—one they have operated for more than 20 years.
“We are very community-driven and believe that access to fresh-cut meats, milk, produce, and basic grocery items is a must-have in rural areas,” said Kevin Hager.
Operating a rural grocery store continues to be challenging, but the Hagers have found that community support, creative problem-solving, and strategic investments can make a lasting difference. In 2025, they learned that their point-of-sale (POS) hardware and software would no longer be supported beginning in 2026. At the same time, their aging fuel-driven heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems were becoming increasingly costly to repair.
Replacing both syste
ms became the clear path forward. The timing proved fortunate: as the Hagers gathered cost estimates, the North Dakota Department of Commerce announced its Rural Grocery Sustainability Grant program. With support from the Red River Regional Council and the Pembina County Job Development Authority, their application was submitted and later selected for funding in September 2025.
“We have become very creative in seeking funding for capital projects that are essential to keeping our business open, and we are very grateful to have received one of the eleven awards across the state,” said Deanna Hager.
The new POS system was installed in fall 2025, shortly after the grant awards were announced.
The upgrade quickly brought noticeable improvements for employees and customers, including:
- A scanning system that is easy to use and simple for new employees to learn.
- The ability to accept online payment platforms, including Google Pay.
- Faster processing times and more accurate reporting.
The HVAC system upgrade was completed in August, with cable trenching remaining as the final item. The Hagers said the improved air conditioning made an immediate difference during recent hot summer days, creating a more comfortable environment for both employees and customers.
With modern POS technology and a more efficient HVAC system in place, D & K Grocery is better equipped to continue serving Pembina and the surrounding rural community. For the Hagers, the grant represents more than an equipment upgrade—it is an investment in keeping essential grocery services close to home.