Mantua – Cole Benjamin, owner of the newly opened 44 Seed & Feed store in Mantua, has always been interested in livestock. The Mantua native has grown up with large and small livestock through 4H as well as his family’s cattle farm. After high school graduation, Cole headed west, working as a ranch hand for several years, working cattle and show horses. When he returned to Mantua, he shared, “I wanted to open a store like this,” but struggled to find the right location.
When the former Mantua Gardens location became available roughly two years ago, Cole knew immediately, “This is it.” While the 10-acre property provides plenty of room to grow at this the ideal location along State Route 44 north of State Route 82 in Mantua, Benjamin noted that the building “building was just a shell, in pretty bad shape.” While the roof and exterior were in good condition, Benjamin worked to update the interior, adding support beams, updating electrical and lighting, pouring a new cement floor, adding new windows and a rustic new sales counter.
A greenhouse in back was removed, while another was kept for storage. Benjamin shared plans to add a new storage building when business requires, and explained that the property allows for the business “grow into something like that. The new store has been open for two weeks, and according to shopkeeper Katie Benjamin, Cole’s sister, the new business has had steady traffic.
The siblings agreed on the mission of bringing a store to the community that would benefit those with livestock and those without animals. In addition to stocking feed by ADM Nutrition, which Cole notes offers “a full line of good feed at a lower cost,” 44 Feed & Seed also stocks Kalmbach feed as well. Katie added, “We grew up in 4H and wanted to offers 4H families the supplies they need, closer to home.”
Now, instead of driving to Burton, Middlefield, or Ravenna for feed for horses chickens, goats, and lambs, folks can find what they need in Mantua. In addition, the store also carries pet food, treats, shampoo, leashes, collars, and toys.
The shop also features items for non-animal owners, with bagged landscaping items, like decorative rocks, mulch, and garden soil, as well as wood chips for grilling or smokers. 44 Feed & Seed plans to offer delivery in the near future, as well. The family business also carries decorative items including candles and floral arrangements courtesy of an aunt who’s a local florist.
The shop is open weekly from 8 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 8 am until 2 pm on Saturdays. Call (234-755-0010 or email feedstore44@yahoo.com for more information.
