How Refugees Helped A Struggling Ga. Grocery Store Succeed

The Clarkston Thriftown was struggling when Bill Mehlinger bought it 25 years ago. He turned things around by catering to the town’s growing refugee population.

STEPHANNIE STOKES / WABE

When Bill Mehlinger bought the Clarkston Thriftown in 1990, he would have described it as your typical American grocery store. The small, 10-aisle supermarket built in the 70s was well-stocked with things like Hamburger Helper, Jif Peanut Butter and Campbell’s soup.

Mehlinger had just come from a long career with the grocery chain Winn-Dixie. This was the kind of food he figured would sell.

But it didn’t.