Coen Oil concludes purchase of Ruff Creek General Store
Coen Oil Co. said Wednesday it has completed the acquisition of the Ruff Creek General Store, a landmark Greene County business.
According to a news release, Washington-based Coen Oil said the acquisition was completed in May and recently made the transition to Coen’s operations.
Coen did not disclose the purchase price for the business.
Ruff Creek is the oldest general store in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with continuous operation since 1925. The two-story, white frame store is located off the Jefferson/Prosperity exit of Interstate 79 at Routes 19 and 221.
Over the years, Ruff Creek became known for its customer service and a broad product offering, providing both Greene County residents and travelers with food and beverage items, household and personal care items, animal feed and work boots, as well as BP gasoline, diesel and off-road fuel.
For two generations, the store was owned and operated by the Stockdale family. Raymond Stockdale, a Ruff Creek native, bought the store in 1974 from his father, who bought it in 1961.
“Ruff Creek has more charm and customer loyalty than most retail stores, and is an excellent addition to our chain, said Coen Oil President Andy McIlvaine. He noted that Coen has had a 50-year relationship as a fuel supplier to the store.
He said Coen intends to maintain “the culture, charm and unique aspects of Ruff Creek” while adding some of the food service and operational expertise of Coen Oil.
“Karen and Raymond Stockdale are two of the most prized assets of Ruff Creek, and we are happy to have Raymond’s input as an ongoing consultant to the store,” McIlvaine said.
Coen Oil also announced new, expanded hours of operation for Ruff Creek: Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“Ruff Creek has become a vibrant part of the community of which we are proud,” Raymond Stockdale said in a statement. “Our long-term relationship with Coen Oil gives us confidence that the business will be able to prosper under its ownership. We now look forward to spending more time with our family while turning the tables after 50 years and being a frequent customer.”
The Ruff Creek acquisition follows Coen Oil’s recent purchase of the Kwik King Food Stores chain in Eastern Ohio as well as seven convenience store locations east of Coen Oil’s headquarters called the Ashbridge stores. Founded in 1923, Coen Oil’s chain currently consists of more than 30 locations with 26 direct operations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.