Miloy promoted to store manager at Mike’s in Colquitt

COLQUITT — Mike Rogers, owner of Mike’s Country Stores, has named Niki Maloy as the new Colquitt store manager.

Maloy started working at Wilkin’s IGA Foodliner and Bakery 11 years ago and later Mike’s Country Store when it changed to new ownership in August 2016.

A lifelong resident of Colquitt, Maloy has become a familiar face at Mike’s. Last year, “Mrs. Sara,” the keeper of Grandma Maude Wilkins’ legendary mayhaw jelly family recipe passed it along, with its secret ingredient, to “Ms. Niki.” Quite an honor, given that Colquitt is known as the mayhaw capitol of the world. Now, when you take home a jar of Mike’s Mayhaw Jelly, you will know that a little bit of Mrs. Sara’s TLC can still be found in every spoonful thanks to Maloy, who is keeping the tradition alive.

When she was offered the promotion, Maloy said, “I was kinda surprised, but happy about it, knowing that it was a reward for being here a long time and doing a good job.”

Some in the community will remember Maloy by her maiden name, Donley. She was an active FFA officer at Miller County High School and right-fielder for two years on the school’s girls softball team. She and her husband, Garrett, share their household with a peekapoo named “Poppy.”

Located at 212 Main St., Mike’s Country Store is the fifth retail location for the rapidly expanding grocery store chain, whose signature line is, “It’s All About the Meat!” Owner Mike Rogers opened his first Mike’s Country Store on South Philema Road in Leesburg, with his parents 21 years ago. A recent growth spurt began less than five years ago, however, with the Colquitt store the most recent among four new locations, including 2305 Liberty Expressway in Putney, the State Farmers Market, at 1532 First Avenue SE, in Moultrie and 3203 Gillionville Road in Albany.

“We’re very honored to be able to build on the heritage of Wilkins IGA Foodliner and Bakery, which was a well-known and much-loved Colquitt landmark,” Rogers said. “We’re especially pleased to have Ms. Niki help us lead the way to maintaining that tradition, as we take our customers’ shopping experience to the next level with our own much-sought-after specialties and brands that make Mike’s Country Store so unique.”

Rogers said he believes that his commitment to a full line of top-quality fresh meat, produce and value-priced groceries, in addition to friendly customer service, has made all the difference, when it comes to customers driving a little farther to shop at Mike’s.

“We’re a totally different style business than (competitors) try to run,” Rogers said. “What you’re seeing now is a turn back toward the smaller stores that are big on personal service. That’s why we’ve been so successful; we cater to the people. And when Colquitt shoppers asked, we listened, too. That’s why we now sell to you at our cost plus 10 percent.”

The main attraction at Mike’s is the Prestige Case, where shoppers will find specialty products like custom-cut meats, including steaks, ribs, chicken and chops, along with homemade smoked sausage, bacon, beef jerky and bologna.

Rogers also takes pride in offering produce and other products locally grown by area farmers and producers.

“Anytime we can, we buy local,” he said.

Most of all, each employee treats each Mike’s Country Store customer just like family.

“We make sure that our customers are always our No. 1 priority,” Rogers continued. “If you treat people right, they will stay with you.”