South Cairo Country Store Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

SOUTH CAIRO — Nearly one year after first welcoming customers through its doors, the South Cairo Country Store officially celebrated the completion of its ambitious expansion Friday afternoon with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by business leaders, elected officials, community members, and representatives from across Greene County.

The official ceremony took place at 2 p.m. Friday, June 26, at the store, located at 56 Ross Ruland Road, marking the completion of a project that has transformed the business into a full-service destination offering fuel, groceries, fresh food, beer, wine, liquor, and everyday convenience items.

Hosted by the Purani family, the celebration featured members of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, local officials, customers, and vendors who filled the property throughout the afternoon.

Guests of honor included Michael Lanuto and Daryl Mercer of Rifton, Anthony DeSantis, Blake Garrison, Gerri Merino, and Greene County Chamber of Commerce President Beth Stewart. Joining them were elected officials Assemblyman Chris Tague, Greene County Legislator Pete Kusminski, and Greene County Legislator Jim Thorington, along with numerous members of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce.

Following the ribbon cutting, visitors enjoyed a day filled with food, product demonstrations, and tastings provided by Dutchess Beer Distributors and DeCrescente Distributing Company.

Sampling stations offered free tastings of Electrolit, Red Bull, Gorilla Mind protein energy drinks, Sierra Nevada beer, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Gym Weed beverages, Monster Energy products, and a variety of additional beverages available inside the store.

Customers also took advantage of discounted gasoline prices offered throughout the celebration while vendors distributed promotional merchandise and giveaways. A complimentary buffet featuring food from the store's kitchen gave guests an opportunity to sample many of the offerings that have become popular with local residents over the past year.

The South Cairo Country Store has steadily grown since opening, expanding its prepared food offerings with Wingman Pizza and Champs Chicken while becoming a regular stop for commuters, construction crews, tourists, and local families alike. The business also continues to expand its convenience services through DoorDash delivery, allowing customers to order not only prepared meals but groceries and everyday essentials directly to their homes.

Speaking during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, proprietor Ankur Purani reflected on the years of planning and hard work that brought the project to completion.

 "This has not been an easy journey, but this has been a vision from a long time ago and I am just thankful that we were able to deliver it," Purani said. "The reason behind us doing something like this is to serve the community, and I think of this not as a monetary project but a labor of love."

He also thanked the many people who helped make the project possible.

 "We want to thank everyone who made this possible—all of the customers and their families that come here and support us."

Friday's celebration served not only as the official grand opening but as a thank-you to the community that has embraced the business over the past year. Judging by the steady crowds, smiling faces, and festive atmosphere, the event reflected the strong community support that has helped turn the Purani family's vision into one of Greene County's newest and it's largest convenience destination.