Posted on Leave a comment

Introducing…….

For those of you I haven’t had a chance to visit with yet, my name is Stephen J. Rogers, and I am the VERY proud new owner of Granny’s Liquor! Some of you know me only as Bucky’s grandson (which is just fine), but I figured it was time I properly introduced myself.

I grew up in Rochester with my mother, Michon Rogers. She grew up here on Grandpa’s farm and I spent a whole lot of weekends and summers there growing up. Even as a kid, I knew Lanesboro was where I wanted to land someday and be part of this amazing community.

Along the way, I did a few things that really shaped who I am now. I spent my younger years in theater at the Masque Youth Theatre and School in Rochester (huge thanks to Sylvia Langworthy for being instrumental to that portion of my life!). I worked many years at Mill End Textiles, where I learned I love retail and getting to interact with such a variety of people. In 2010, I joined the Navy and served for just over nine years. In 2019, I finally made it to Lanesboro permanently, and I started working some nights and evenings for Lori.

Now, here we are, one giant step closer to a dream I’ve been working toward for a looooong time.

I am beyond excited about taking over Granny’s Liquor which has already served this amazing community for 10 years!

Thank you to my mother. Thank you to Julie and Lori. Thank you to all for your support and patronage. I promise to keep Granny’s your hometown liquor store, no matter where you’re from!

Posted on

From Behind the Counter to Forever in My Heart

Hi friends,
It’s me, Oakley your favorite liquor store dog.

This is my last blog, and my heart is full. On New Year’s Eve, my mom sold Granny’s Liquor after 10 wonderful years. I’ve watched her build this store with so much love, hard work, and care for this community. I’ve been lucky enough to nap under the counter, greet customers, and collect more belly rubs than I can count.

Granny’s Liquor has been more than a store, it’s been home. Thank you to everyone who supported Mom, shopped local, and stopped to say hi to me over the years. You’ve meant more to us than you know.

As for me, I’ll miss my daily visits, my fans, and my unofficial job title. But don’t worry, I’m retiring with a full heart, a wagging tail, and probably more treats than I should have.

I also want to wish Stephen the very best as he takes over Granny’s Liquor. I know the store is in great hands, and I can’t wait to see all the good things ahead for him.

Thank you to every single person who supported Mom, shopped local, said hello to me, and made Granny’s Liquor such a special place over the last 10 years. You’ve all been part of our story, and I’ll carry that with me always.

So here’s to new beginnings, cherished memories, and one last tail wag from behind the counter.

With love,
Oakley 🐾

Posted on

Oakley’s Holiday Tail: The Magic of Lanesboro

Hey friends,
It’s Oakley, the liquor store’s top dog and official holiday greeter!

December in Lanesboro is pure magic. The lights twinkle, the air smells like snow (and occasionally dog treats), and everyone walks around with that “I might have hot cocoa and/or wine at home” glow.

The store gets extra jolly this time of year. Folks come in searching for their favorite holiday spirits: peppermint schnapps for cocoa, bourbon for baking, Irish cream for sipping, and wine for… well, surviving family gatherings. I observe it all with a wag and patiently always waiting for a treat.

I love the holidays. People laugh more, pet me more, and drop more crumbs, it’s truly the season of giving.

So stop by and stock up on your festive favorites, I recommend Tom & Jerry batter.  I’ll be here to greet you with holiday cheer and a tail that happily wags.

Merry Christmas from magical Lanesboro and all of us at Granny’s Liquor!
Oakley 🐾🎄

Posted on

🐾 Oakley’s November Notes: Thankful Tails and Toasts

Hey there, friends! Oakley here, your favorite four-legged greeter at Granny’s. I’ve been busy keeping watch over the aisles, making sure everyone gets a proper tail wag and maybe a sniff of approval before checking out. It’s November, and that means two things: chilly walks and gratitude (plus a few crumbs of pumpkin pie if I’m lucky).

The humans have been talking about “stocking up for the holidays.” I’m not sure what that means exactly, but it seems to involve a lot of bottles clinking and cheerful chatter about Friendsgiving, deer camp, and family dinners. I personally prefer a nap in a sunny spot, but I’ll happily supervise while you grab your favorite fall beverage, those pumpkin liqueurs, spiced wines, and the cozy craft beers everyone’s been howling about.

Between you and me, I’m also thankful for all the belly rubs, treats from delivery folks, and the occasional customer who whispers, “You’re the real boss here, Oakley.” (You’re not wrong.)

As the snow threatens to show up and the turkeys start getting nervous, let’s all raise a glass, or a water bow to good friends, full hearts, and small-town warmth. Whether you’re stocking up for Thanksgiving or just stopping in to say hi, I’ll be here at the door, tail wagging, ready to welcome you with my best smile.

Until next month,
Paws and cheers,
🐾 Oakley
Your Faithful Shop Dog

Posted on

🍁 A Paws-itively Perfect Fall in Lanesboro 🍂

Woof woof! Oakley here, your favorite four-legged greeter at Granny’s Liquor in beautiful Lanesboro, Minnesota.

Let me tell ya, fall is my favoritetime of year. The air gets crisp (not yet, but hopefully soon), the humans start wearing cozy flannel, and best of all, the trees put on a show just for me!

Soon, the bluffs and trails around town will be bursting with reds, oranges, and golds. It’s like someone spilled a giant box of crayons all over the Root River Valley. I like to sit out front of the store, wagging my tail, watching the leaves tumble by.

If you’re coming into town for “Fall into Lanesboro” this weekend, or to bike the trail, sip some cider, or snag a bottle of Fireball Blazin’ Apple for a cozy night in, stop by and say hi! I’ll be waiting by the door, ready with a tail wag.

Happy Fall, friends!
Stay cozy, sip local, and don’t forget to give your dog an extra treat today. 🍷🐾

Posted on

Oakley’s Labor Day Hurrah 🐾

Hey friends, Oakley here, your loyal greeter at Granny’s Liquor! Labor Day is the last hurrah of summer, which for me means extra belly rubs, the smell of burgers on the grill, and watching you all stock up your coolers before heading out for one more big weekend. 🍔🍻

I’ve been noticing something exciting that my Mom has been busy with…. the shelves are filling up with fall beers and pumpkin liqueurs! So while you’re grabbing your summer favorites, don’t forget to sneak a peek at the flavors of fall. Trust me, my friends say they’re tail-wagging good. 🎃🍂

So stop by before the barbecue, the river, or wherever your adventure takes you. I’ll be here, ready with a happy tail and a reminder that summer may be ending, but delicious things are just getting started.

Happy Labor Day!

Cheers & tail wags,
Oakley 🐾🐶

Posted on

“Buffalo Bill Days”

Howdy, folks! Oakley here your local friend, customer lover, and biscuit connoisseur.

This weekend, my town is throwing a party for an event called Buffalo Bill Days. Now, I don’t know who Bill is, but I do know he must have loved parades, loud noises, fried foods, and people in cowboy hats who don’t always smell so good. It’s not too bad if you like the smell of manure?

The humans keep saying it’s “fun for the whole family.” Well, they eat pork burgers, while I get stuck wearing a hot bandana and begging for treats.

There’s a parade where people throw candy (why not bacon?), horses strut down the street like they own the place, and children point at me and yell, “Look, at that cute dog! Yes, I know I’ve been told that many times!😉  Watch for Granny’s in the parade we’ll be waving at all of you!

My favorite part? The food trucks! So many smells. So many dropped nachos. I consider it my civic duty to perform ground cleanup. You’re welcome, city guys.

Anyway, if you’re in town this weekend and you see an adorable black and white Tibetan Terrier in a Granny’s bandana scanning the ground for dropped food come say hi. I’ll even pose for a photo…for a treat.

Stay pawsitive,
Oakley 🐾

Posted on

Summer time is here!

Calling all party animals! Oakley here, your favorite furry liquor store greeter, and July is officially heating up! While you humans fire up the grill, I’m holding down the fort (and maybe sneaking a nap in the liquor aisle). We’ve got some cool picks to beat the heat: Bonterra Wines are perfect for those patio vibes, organic, delicious, and they almost make me wish I liked alcohol. Looking for ready-to-sip refreshment? Try Absolut Cocktails, easy, breezy, and no mixing required. And for those of you going full summer mode, 44° North Vodka is smooth, Idaho-made, and dangerously sip-able. Yum, Yum!

Swing by for samples, smile for a selfie with me in my patriotic bandana, and stock up for your next backyard bash. And remember: fireworks are for humans. I’ll be hiding behind the checkout counter by my mom. Happy Safe 4th and Happy July! Woof, Woof! 🐾🐾

Posted on

Rhubarb Fest: A Toast from Oakley

Well butter my biscuits and pour me a cold one—it’s that time of year again, folks. The annual Rhubarb Fest is June 7th from 10am to 2pm. If you love rhubarb in any shape or baked, this is your festival. Rumor has it my mom, Granny’s owner, will be entering the rhubarb bake-off with a little rhubarb dessert filled with liquor. Boy does that sound deee..licious! I hope there is leftovers. I may be a four-legged animal with a nose for bourbon, but even I can sniff out a rhubarb crumble from three blocks away.

Sylvan Park will be filled with exciting vendors and family fun activities. The retail shops and restaurants will have lots of specials and rhubarb, rhubarb and more rhubarb treats.

Jay from Apples R Us, from Rochester, MN will be sampling tasty treats at Granny’s from 12-3pm. Also, my mom will be tasting some Warner’s Rhubarb Gin. It’s delicious with Spring Grove Lemon Sour Soda. Be sure to stop by.

We would also like to Congratulate all the 2025 Graduates! Hats off to all of you and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!

Until next time, I’ll be dreaming of tart and tasty rhubarb treats!

Stay thirsty,


Oakley 🐾🐾

Posted on

10 Years of Tail Wags and Cheers – A Decade at the Liquor Store!

Can you believe it’s been ten whole years since I pranced through the front door of our cozy little liquor store for the first time, tail wagging and nose twitching? Back then, I was just a tiny pup with big dreams and an even bigger love for greeting customers. Now, I’m Oakley: local legend, treat connoisseur, and your loyal four-legged greeter.

Over the past decade, I’ve seen it all. I’ve snoozed through wine tastings, supervised countless beer deliveries, and offered emotional support during those tough “I just need a bottle of red and a quiet night” moments. Rain or shine, I’ve been here—perched by the register, paws on the counter, waiting for belly rubs and the occasional bit of dog treats from generous customers (you know who you are).

And now here we are: a decade of community, clinking glasses, and canine companionship. Whether you stopped in for a six-pack, a rare bourbon, or just to say hi to me, you’ve been part of our journey—and I couldn’t be more grateful (or more spoiled).

To celebrate, we’re throwing a paw-ty Wednesday, May 7th from 3 to 8pm. Expect specials, samples, and of course, plenty of photo ops with yours truly. Bring your friends and your good vibes. You don’t want to miss this!

Thanks for letting me be the heart (and nose) of this store for ten incredible years. Here’s to the next ten—and maybe a raise in treats? Just sayin’.

With love, licks, and loyalty,
Oakley🐾
Your favorite liquor store dog