As the sun rises over the small town of Kit Carson, a new beacon of community support and entrepreneurship is ready to greet its patrons. Introducing Katie’s Korner, a grocery store located at 103 East Highway 287 Unit C, Kit Carson, Colorado, where locals can find more than just groceries – they’ll find a warm, inviting space built upon values of community, respect, and collaboration.
Katie Johnson was born and raised in Kit Carson to Richard and Sammie Johnson, “I’ve always felt a strong connection to this tight-knit community. After graduating from Kit Carson High School in 2016, I embarked on an educational journey that led me to a degree in Agriculture Business in 2019. Along the way, I gained valuable experience working in accounting and at the local NRCS offices. It was during this time that the seed for Katie’s Korner was planted.”
Katie’s Korner is not only a business venture but a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement. “This would not have been possible without the unwavering support of various community members as well as the Kit Carson Rural Development (KCRD) board that played an instrumental role in giving me the tools and opportunities to make this dream a reality.”
The store was meticulously designed to meet the needs of a community that thrives beyond the traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Recognizing that many residents have varying work hours Katie stated, “We offer a unique self-service membership option. This allows for individuals to apply for membership access to the store 24/7. They will gain access using a secure code for the door, granting them the convenience of shopping whenever suits them best at a self-checkout machine.”
Hours for non-members are Monday through Thursday from 7 am-6pm, Friday and Saturday 7 am-12pm, and closed on Sundays. If you are interested in applying for a membership to Katies Korner, you can contact Katie Johnson at the store at the above hours.
Katie goes on to give a heartfelt thank you, “I am immensely grateful to the community members who have supported me throughout this journey. Without the help of friends, family, neighbors and so many more, Katie’s Korner would not have come to fruition. Your support and dedication have been invaluable.”
“Katie’s Korner is more than just a grocery store; it’s a reflection of my commitment to my hometown. I envision it as a place where people don’t just come to shop but to connect and be treated with the utmost respect. Every customer who walks through our doors is a part of our extended family, and we aim to make their experience a memorable one.”
Collaboration with other local businesses, Katie aims to foster prosperity within Kit Carson by collectively promoting one another, to amplify the impact on the community, encourage growth, and provide residents with a range of options to meet their needs.
Katie’s Korner is not just a place to buy groceries – it’s a symbol of unity, resilience, and the power of community-driven endeavors. The Kiowa County Independent looks forward to watching this new business grow alongside the community to shape a brighter future for Kit Carson.
