LIFESTYLE
Entrepreneur RF Buche could have stopped at being a fourth generation grocer, and that in and of itself would have been impressive—but it was just the beginning.
The Person Behind the Passion RF Buche Written by Alana Snyder and Photos by Kayla Johnson
RF’s great grandfather, Gus Francis , established GF Buche Company in Lake Andes in 1905, and expanded into other rural communities on or near Native American reservations, carrying everything from clothing to hardware to groceries. “He believed in supporting those local communities,” recalled RF. “He ended up getting his general store count up to about 18.” The Depression hit in the 1930s, and Gus lost all but three of his stores. In this time where he lost everything, he not only paid every invoice he owed, but paid them all on time. This was one of many instances RF says he is proud of, and helped shape who he is today. GF Buche Company is celebrating 121 years this month under Buche Foods and Gus Stops (named after his great grandfather). Gus ran the company well into his 80s and was practically forced into retirement by RF’s grandfather, Bob Sr. , who then passed it down to Bob Jr. RF spent his childhood watching his father at work, and started learning the ropes of the business. When he was 7 years old, a moment in one of the stores changed the trajectory of his life. A young mother walked through the door and realized she didn’t have enough for groceries. Bob Jr. quietly walked over and slipped her the money so she could put food on the table for her family that night.
Did You Know?
Buche is pronounced “buoy,” but it’s not the original pronunciation. One of Gus’s kholás (or “friends” in Lakota) would pronounce his name as buoy, while the real way to say it was bouché. He found it charming and kept it, forever changing the family name.
HOLIDAY ISSUE november 2026
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online