LIFESTYLE
It was officially his retirement announcement at 54. “I was in shock, for sure, but it was what I wanted,” said RF, who is now the CEO and president. “I’ve never dreamed about doing anything besides this. I bought him out shortly thereafter.” GF Buche Company had around seven locations when he took over, and the business has grown to 26 locations, including a Buche Foods inside of Al’s Oasis , which RF purchased from the Mueller family. “Al’s Oasis is a South Dakota tradition, and the Mueller family did a remarkable job of marketing this place and serving the community and the tourists in the area,” said RF. “I feel very privileged to be able to take the baton and hopefully do as good as them.” While Al’s Oasis is a tourism and local hot spot, the other Buche Foods and Gus Stops are located in places where groceries are typically hard to come by. Though convenient, RF says they’re constantly battling the current economic climate with rising gas prices and low margins, which is frustrating. “People are struggling, and they're having to spend extra money on fuel, utilities, propane, whatever the case may be,” he said.
Pie for Here or To-Go? Al’s Oasis sells over 50,000 a year at the restaurant. Check out more to do at the attraction at alsoasissd.com.
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