Our Story
The beating heart of Wilson since 1954.
Hungry Jack's General Store is located in the middle of downtown Wilson, Wyoming. Established in 1954 by Dorothy "Dodie" Stearns and Clarence "Stearnie" Stearns, Hungry Jack’s has become an iconic Wilson landmark. The store continues to be a testament to the enduring spirit and communal bond of our close-knit small town.
Hungry Jack's Opens
When the Stearns moved to Wilson, it was a modest settlement with a population of 34 people. Undeterred by the town's small size, the Stearns saw the potential for a general store to serve it. Dodie and Stearnie acquired a plot of land across from Nora's Fish Creek Inn, and they built the current building in just six weeks. Hungry Jack's General Store was open for business.
Pilot & Community Pillar
Clarence Stearns brought a rich tapestry of experiences to the venture. Stearnie served his country with distinction and became a decorated United States Air Force pilot in World War II. After the war, he worked as a ski instructor in Squaw Valley and later as a retail manager in Yellowstone National Park. His diverse life experience and commitment to hard work and community service became the foundation upon which Hungry Jack's was built.
The Legacy Continues
In 1989, the reins of the store passed to Clarence and Dodi’s daughter, Jana Stearns. Hungry Jack's continued to serve and adapt to the changing needs of the rapidly growing community around it.
New Business Model: Community Ownership
In 2022, a group of dedicated locals, understanding how important Hungry Jack’s was to the fabric of Wilson and Teton County, banded together and purchased Hungry Jack’s using a Community Owned Business model. In addition to raising funds by selling ‘units’ in the company for the purchase of the business and the land, the newly formed Hungry Jack’s Company raised funds for an extensive refurbishing to achieve the vision of preserving and beautifully reimagining this iconic general store. With over 600 hundred ‘members,’ the community ownership model ensures that the store will remain a cornerstone of Wilson for generations to come.
Community ownership ensures that the store will remain a cornerstone of Wilson for a long time to come.
Our Mission
Hungry Jack’s Company mission is to meet the grocery and general store needs of the local community and visitors of Teton County, Wyoming. As a community-owned business, Hungry Jack’s prioritizes offering essential goods at fair prices, putting the interests of the community above financial gains.
We proudly feature local and regional products, as well as items made in the USA. Hungry Jack’s is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community and workplace, reflecting the values and spirit of Wilson. We are committed to keeping the Stearns spirit of community stewardship alive & well long into the future.
As Wilson continues to grow and evolve, Hungry Jack's remains a steadfast symbol of the town's rich history and vibrant spirit. The store stands as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of local heritage.
Hungry Jack's Merchandise
