Beyond Essentials: Market on Main in Osakis Reopens to Serve the Community 

“I just love this little community. Food brings people together, and the grocery store can be the heart of that,” said the new owner of Market on Main, Twyla Myrin. 

A small-town grocery store, like Market on Main, can be the cornerstone of the community. Beyond serving as a source to buy essentials, grocery stores are social hubs where residents gather, share stories, and build relationships.  

Twyla worked at the grocery store in high school and understands the crucial role a grocery store can play in sustaining the local economy. 

“I love local food production, that’s what excites me,” Twyla said. “Knowing where food comes from knowing the importance of that, the work that goes into it. I’m really excited to highlight local.” 

Twyla grew up in Osakis but spent most of her twenties traveling and volunteering. Eventually, she moved back to Osakis, got her accounting degree, and met her husband. 

From Accountant to Business Owner

So, how did a young accountant with an appetite for travel become the owner of the town grocery store? 

“It was literally a wild hair,” Twyla said. “I saw the previous owner was selling, and the grocery store part intrigued us. We love local foods, we love growing our own food, and preserving food. The opportunity to do local sourcing intrigued us as well.” 

All that intrigue led Twyla to apply to work at the grocery store once again. 

“I started working for the previous owner part-time while we considered purchasing the store. And I realized I loved the grocery world because it hit on the things I like,” Twyla shared. “As an accountant, I love numbers and the business side of things, but I also love people and being creative. So, I was able to do all of that in the grocery store, creating end caps displays, meeting customers, ordering, and book work. It has everything.” 

 Twyla wanted to buy the grocery store, but the timing wasn’t right, and the store was forced to close in February 2023. Less than a year later, everything fell into place. 

“The owner of this building reached out to me and asked, ‘Are you interested?’ and this time, because it was meant to be, it was just seamless,” Twyla explained. 

“The bank was so excited and so helpful, getting me in touch with Kate [West Central Initiative’s Business Development Officer], the city, and the EDA. Everyone was so excited to help and made the process really seamless.” 

Looking Forward to Giving Back

After a year of sitting empty, Market on Main will open its doors in February 2024. You can expect to see all the essentials on the shelves and products from local coffee roasters and honey producers.  

In the future, Twyla hopes to bring in more local food like eggs, Amish candy, and other Minnesota-sourced products. She also looks forward to the opportunity to give back to the community she loves. 

“Osakis really takes care of each other. Everyone takes care of their neighbor,” Twyla said. “Opening the store, I’ve had so many business owners reach out to me and ask, ‘What can we do to help?’ from floor scrubbing to painting.” 

Twyla has received the most support from her husband, Jeremy Opperud, and parents, Rob and Cassie Myrin, who have been with her every step of the way. 

“I couldn’t have done it without them,” Twyla said. 

Twyla looks forward to the opportunity to repay her community and help out local organizations. 

“I think of some of the organizations we have in town, like the Osakis Women’s Association, they do different fundraisers throughout the year. I’m excited to be able to order things for them at cost. It’s really important to me to be able to help organizations in town.” 

As Market on Main prepares to welcome customers once again, Twyla Myrin’s story reflects her passion for local food, community support, and a vision to make the grocery store a hub of warmth and connection. Be sure to stop in next time you’re in Osakis to check out the local selection and say hello to Twyla!