Celebrating Over 20 Years of Community Impact at Smoky Lake

Since opening its doors in 2004, Smoky Lake Bigway has grown from a small-town grocery store into a vital hub at the heart of the Smoky Lake community. Over the past two decades, the store has not only provided essential goods, but also built lasting relationships with customers, supported local initiatives, and adapted alongside the needs of the people it serves.

From its early days, Smoky Lake Bigway has been driven by a commitment to community. Whether it’s sponsoring local events, supporting nearby producers, or simply offering a friendly, familiar place for residents to shop, the store has become more than a business; it’s a cornerstone of daily life in Smoky Lake.

Like many independent retailers, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Changes in the retail landscape, economic shifts, and evolving consumer expectations have all required resilience and adaptability. Yet through it all, the team at Smoky Lake Bigway has remained focused on what matters most: putting customers first and staying true to their community roots.

Owner Greg Frankard reflects on the milestone with pride and gratitude. “Reaching this point is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a reflection of the hard work of our team and the loyalty of our customers over the years,” he says. “We’ve always believed in being part of the community, not just serving it, and that’s what has made the difference.”

As Smoky Lake Bigway celebrates this milestone, Greg is looking ahead to an exciting new chapter. Greg’s daughter, Megan Frankard, along with her husband Jason Dunn, is preparing to take over the store, continuing the legacy built over the past 20 years. With their leadership, the store remains rooted in the same strong values of community, service and connection, while embracing the future with fresh energy and perspective.

Today, Smoky Lake Bigway continues to evolve while staying grounded in the values that have guided it from the start. With a dedicated team and a strong connection to the community, and a new generation stepping forward to lead; the store is well-positioned for the future, ready to continue serving Smoky Lake for many years to come.

At TGP, we’re proud to support independent retailers like Smoky Lake Bigway who lead with heart, resilience, and a deep sense of community. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone, and here’s to the memories made and the many more still to come.