Next Door General Store, a new addition to the Mantua community, is now open for business. The store operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It offers a variety of bulk foods, including baking goods, grains, pasta, and candy.
Terri Vechery, a long-time resident of Mantua and the store’s owner, has realized a long-held dream of opening a store in her hometown. Since launching the business, Vechery has discovered a shared community interest in sourcing fresh and affordable bulk foods.
Vechery grew up in Mantua Village, where her father owned Mantua Lumber Co. on Mill Street, now the site of Advanced Rehab. After high school, she worked as a reservationist for various airlines in New York City and Cleveland. She later moved to Phoenix, where she lived for eight years and had three children. In 1980, Vechery returned to Mantua Township after marrying John Vechery and has resided there since.
Vechery’s interest in bulk food began when her son was born, recognizing the importance of healthy eating for both children and adults. Her search for quality bulk food started in 1972 and intensified upon returning to Ohio, where she found a source in Mesopotamia. Recognizing the demand within her own community, she decided to establish her own business in Mantua to bring these goods closer to home.
