Who we are

In November 1995, Steve and Rhoda Kauffman moved into Bainbridge with a dream to start a bulk food store, a type of market that is often found in Amish communities across the northeast. The Kauffman’s had previously founded and operate a similar market in Pennsylvania before moving to New York, spending 6 or 7 years farming in Madison County, NY. The Kauffman’s, along with a couple of their children, built a small store on Route 206, just outside of Bainbridge. The store opened in February 1996 with a retail area of just over 1200 sq ft.

The Kauffman’s, who both came from Amish families, applied the same level of commitment to business as they did to their faith, and soon the business was known for its unique, small town feel and friendly atmosphere. Customers were attracted from around the community by excellent prices on quality, Lancaster-Dutch deli meats, as well as many hard-to-find candies, baking supplies, and spices.

In the spring of 1999, the Kauffman’s were asked by their local church to move to Pennsylvania to assist a burgeoning church. They sold the store to some friends of theirs, Jim and Brenda Walters. The Walters maintained the family centered business, expanding the retail area in 2003 to over 1900 sq ft. This expanded space allowed the Walters’ to offer a larger selection of candy, baking supplies, and home décor items.

At the end of 2005, the business again changed hands and was purchased by Michael and Lydianne Kauffman (no relation to the original Kauffman’s). The Kauffman’s had spent several years in construction, building gazebos and outdoor furniture. Their business experience, coupled with the values of their Amish and Mennonite heritage, caused the business to flourish. Mike and Lyd (as they’re known by their friends) were joined by their four children, Jeff, Heidi, Mike, and Josh. The business was a family affair, and they could often be found working on various projects around the store long after closing time. As time passed, the business continued to grow and expand. The Kauffman’s expanded the warehouse space twice, once in 2009 and again in 2012. The 2012 expansion also included a large renovation of the retail area, increasing the total retail space to over 2600 sq ft. to better accommodate the rapidly growing customer base. In the spring of 2017, a third expansion and remodel of the retail space added an additional 1600 sq ft of retail space, as well as greatly improving the entrance area and curb appeal. In the September of 2022, Pine Ridge Grocery expanded with a second location in Dryden, NY. This 8,000 sq ft location is conveniently between Ithaca and Cortland.

Today, Pine Ridge Grocery is owned and operated by Mike and Lyd's son, Mike and his wife Sarah. Pine Ridge Grocery employs over 25 individuals. The goal of Pine Ridge Grocery remains to provide a unique, old-fashioned shopping experience, blending the old-fashioned values with modern technology and infrastructure to provide a truly enjoyable shopping experience while staying true to the quality and integrity its Amish heritage.

At Pine Ridge Grocery we hold deeply to our Christian heritage, believing that a life of true service to Christ should showcase love in every aspect. We strive to create a welcoming, friendly environment, where all people, regardless of race, gender, age, political or religious belief, or culture, feel honored and respected. We strive to provide 100% customer satisfaction. We desire to build relationships with our customers, delivering a personal shopping experience through our interactions.

Our business is an extension of our personal relationship with God, and as such, we adhere to honest and fair business practices. We strive to empower and inspire people to reach their full potential and to be the best place to shop and work as we continually expand into new communities, giving back generously everywhere