Improved Ryan's Food Mart reopens

Business Today

PARMA - "It was a terrible day," recalled Tom Ryan about the fire last year that destroyed his business.

But from those ashes rose a new store. On Sept. 16, Ryan reopened Ryan's Food Mart at 200 Main St. in Parma, a town of 1,000 residents.

The new 3,500-square-foot facility replaced a much older building. Ryan, along with two friends, Bud O'Dell and Jerry Chaney, did much of the construction and included all the amenities the grocer could design into the facility.

"After 22 years you get an idea of what you do and what you don't want," said Ryan with a smile.

The new Ryan's Food Mart has wide aisles with lots of room for customers to make their selections. Of course, there is a full-range of groceries, produce, dairy products and meats, but the new Ryan's Food Mart offers more.

Ryan designed a black and white tiled front counter that includes check-out, as well as a deli area where customers can have sandwiches. People can also have a plate lunch to eat in a small area set aside for dining.

Ryan's point of pride in the building is his smoker. The barbecue business has kept him busy. As part of the store, Ryan sells sides and butts or will provide customers with single servings and sandwiches. Also, he does custom smoking for organizations and church functions.