Dating to the 1830s, the Illinois town of Norway once represented the epicenter of Norwegian immigration. That vibe continues today at The Norway Store, where customers get a heavy dose of the icons that depict Scandinavian culture within a retail format that shines a bright light on the heritage.
Owned and operated by Chuck and Gabe Borchsenius, The Norway Store offers Fast Stop-branded fuel and a prolific number of fresh, frozen and refrigerated products, including lobster tails, Norwegian specialty foods and gifts, deli-sliced meats and cheeses, and fresh-cut steaks, pork, beef, chicken, fish and lamb.
"We have just about everything, from the basics to a barbershop and a small coffee bar."
“We are more than a c-store/petroleum retailer. We have just about everything, from the basics to a barbershop and a small coffee bar. We sell a full grocery selection at non-c-store pricing,” said Gabe Borchsenius, who’s worked at the store since he was 17 years old. “[Staying motived] is easy because your job is different on a day-to-day basis: cooking Trolls (breakfast sandwiches) one day, inventory the next and butchering a hog the next.”