The Robinson family announced via social media last week that Robinson’s General Store had again changed hands, with a new family, led by brothers Ven Komina and Satya Jyesta, planning to re-open the store in early April.
The Robinsons, who owned the store from 1921 to 2021, sold to Mike and Katie Hinbest. However, the Hinbests ran into financial hardship and closed the store Jan. 8.
During a Jan. 10 interview with The Highlander, Mike Hinbest said he had been speaking to the Robinsons about their difficulties.
Joanne Robinson posted to the Dorset community Facebook page March 23, to say, “after having been owned and operated by our family for 100 years, we were, like all of you, disappointed and devastated when we learned that our beloved Robinson’s General Store closed in January.”
She said that since then, they have been working hard in the background to find a solution to allow the business to re-open.
“We understand the inconvenience this closure has caused the community and we thank you for your patience during this difficult time.”
She went on to announce the new family taking over the operation of the store.
“Knowing how much the store is needed by the community, they plan to open in early April. It will take weeks and months after that to ramp up to full operation. Please understand this and support them through this transition time. We look forward to the community welcoming the new people and giving them all the support they need to allow the store to thrive again,” Robinson added.
The Highlander was unable to contact Komina or Jyesta as of press time this week.
