Staple & Spice Market: 80 Years of Tradition on a Historic Corner
Article by Local Black Hills Contributing Writer
For nearly a century, there has been a market at the corner of Mt. Rushmore Road and St. Joseph Street—and generations of Rapid City residents have a story to tell about it.
Today, Staple and Spice Market carries on that grocery tradition, offering natural foods, herbs and spices, coffee and tea, supplements, health and beauty products, and more.Â
The building dates to 1930, and sometime between 1946 and 1960 a grocery called Rose Marketeria occupied the corner space. In 1973, Dean Mason purchased the store, renamed it Black Hills Staple and Spice, and expanded its offerings. In 1991 under owner Carol Pugh it became simply, Staple and Spice Market. In 1994, Pugh facilitated a major remodel that added a grain mill room, still used today to provide freshly milled wheat flour.Â
In January 2020, Tammy and Wayne Yanders purchased the store. For Tammy, the business felt like a calling. As a registered nurse and certified health coach with a passion for wellness, she saw an opportunity to help others live healthier lives. She was given the opportunity immediately when COVID pandemic hit. She looked for ways to immediately give back to the community- selling masks and using funds to purchase food for first responders.Â
From the moment they purchased the store, the Yanders began thoughtfully updating the business while preserving its history and character. They refreshed the store’s logo and signage, entered the entire inventory into a new point-of-sale system, introduced fresh organic produce baskets and expanded the store’s role in the community with educational classes. Customers can now purchase nonperishable items and have them shipped. The store offers grocery pickup and a client rewards program and can even make custom gift baskets on any budget.
All the growth hasn’t made them forge their roots. Tammy says customers in their 80s still come through the doors reminiscing about memories like the extra-long licorice ropes that used to be sold.Â
Perhaps one of the most recognizable parts of Staple and Spice isn’t something you can buy at all. It’s the scent: a unique blend of coffee, herbs, spices, soaps and lotions. Tammy says people sometimes ask what perfume she’s wearing.
From a small neighborhood market to a beloved downtown destination, Staple and Spice Market has become much more than a store. It is a place where generations of customers can find something familiar, discover something new and get personalized service with a focus on local and health-conscious products.Â
The Yanders are grateful to be part of that history—and excited to see what the next chapter brings as they expand again into fitness and health coaching.Â
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Fall Into Healthy Habits: Small Daily Changes That Can Make a Big Impact
Simple, realistic ways to support your health through movement, nutrition, hydration, sleep and more.
Fall Into Healthy Habits
As the busy days of summer give way to fall routines, it’s the perfect time to reset your focus on your health. The good news is that improving your well-being doesn’t require an extreme diet or hours in the gym. In fact, the biggest improvements often come from small, consistent habits practiced every day.
Here are a few simple changes that can make a lasting impact on your overall health.
Move Your Body Every Day
One of the easiest habits to start is taking a 10-minute walk. Walking supports heart health, improves mood and energy, helps regulate blood sugar, increases joint mobility, and can even improve the quality of your sleep.
If 10 minutes feels like too much, start with just 2–5 minutes after a meal. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. As your body adapts, you may naturally find yourself walking farther, adding strength training, or becoming more active throughout the day.
Prioritize Protein
Protein does much more than build muscle. It helps keep you full, supports healthy aging, aids recovery, and helps maintain strength throughout every stage of life.
Try to include a quality source of protein with each meal, such as eggs, lean meats, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, or fish. If your schedule makes it difficult to eat balanced meals, a high-quality protein supplement can be a convenient option to help you meet your daily needs.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is important all year long—not just during the summer. As temperatures cool, many people drink less water simply because they don’t feel as thirsty. However, your body still depends on proper hydration for energy, digestion, circulation, and mental focus.
If you’re active, exercising, or spending time outdoors, electrolyte supplements can also help replace important minerals lost through sweat and support healthy hydration.
Get Outside and Don't Forget Vitamin D
Fresh air and sunshine do more than boost your mood. Spending time outdoors supports mental well-being and helps your body naturally produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient that plays an important role in bone health, immune function, and muscle health.
As the days grow shorter and many of us spend more time indoors, vitamin D levels can begin to decline. If you’re concerned about getting enough, talk with your healthcare provider about whether a vitamin D supplement may be appropriate for you.
Choose Supplements That Support Your Goals
A healthy diet should always come first, but supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and support your wellness goals.
For example, creatine has become one of the most researched supplements available. While it’s often associated with athletes, studies suggest it may also help support muscle strength, recovery, brain health, and healthy aging in adults of all activity levels.
Other supplements, such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, or a quality multivitamin, may also provide benefits depending on your individual needs. Choosing trusted, high-quality products—and understanding which ones are right for you—is key.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is one of the most overlooked aspects of good health. While you sleep, your body repairs tissues, balances hormones, supports your immune system, and prepares you for the day ahead.
Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night by keeping a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing evening routine.
Small Steps Lead to Lasting Results
You don’t have to change everything at once. Choose one healthy habit, practice it consistently, and build from there. Over time, those small choices can lead to meaningful improvements in how you feel every day.
Whether your goal is to have more energy, improve your nutrition, stay active, or find supplements that fit your lifestyle, remember that lasting health is built one step at a time.
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If you’d like guidance on creating a personalized wellness plan or choosing supplements that align with your goals, the team at Staple & Spice Market is here to help. Through health coaching, quality supplements, and practical nutrition advice, they can help you develop healthy habits that fit your lifestyle and support your long-term well-being.
Quick Habits to Try This Week
✔ Take a 10-minute walk each day.
✔ Include a source of protein with every meal.
✔ Drink more water throughout the day.
✔ Spend at least 15–20 minutes outdoors.
✔ Ask your healthcare provider about your vitamin D levels.
✔ Consider whether supplements like creatine, electrolytes, or magnesium could support your health goals.
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