Jonathan Roby began working at Doodlebugs Grocery when he was a sophomore in high school, later purchasing the store in 2012. After eight years as owner and 20 years working there, Roby has decided to put the business up for sale.
“It was my first high school job,” Roby said. “I was going to go to school for nursing, but I dropped out to buy the store. It was a great job, but now I am going to pursue something different.”
The store, located at 9558 KY 144 in Philpot, first opened in 1969 under the name Lanham’s Grocery — though it was known as Doodlebugs by most of the customers. When Roby purchased the store, he had the name officially changed.
“We chose to use Doodlebugs because that is what it was already known for, and I am not a Lanham,” Roby said.
After serving in this store for two decades, Roby said he is the only one still working who has been there that long.
“I am the only one who stuck around,” he said. “My mom, my dad and my sister came around to help me, so it has still been a family owned business.”
Roby knows firsthand all the opportunities that exist in the store — such as adding a drink cooler or offering hot foods such as pizzas to serve the customers who have been coming for years.
“You could do a lot of things with it,” Roby said. “We have very good, loyal customers.”
Roby said the store did not experience the negative effects that some small businesses encountered during the pandemic.
“People did not want to go to town, they wanted to stay away from the big public,” he said. “We also get customers from far away that just like our product, mainly our meat. … It actually kind of helped us.”
The location is unique in that it offers a grocery store, hardware store and a place for customers to get gas all in one.
Tyler Shookman, the agent who is listing Doodlebugs, considers this a rare opportunity to acquire a turnkey business.
“This store is neat, orderly and fully stocked with all grocery staples that are always in demand,” Shookman said. “Lottery and beer sales have increased profitability. The possibilities are endless for future growth.”
Not only is the business itself unique, but so is the location.
“You go to Knottsville and you are taken back to a different era where service is very important. When you go into that store and it’s like a mom-and-pop grocery store; it’s very special,” Shookman said.
The sale of Doodlebugs includes all inventory and equipment. It is listed for $249,900. More information can be found on the listing page here.
