New owner, same route

Route 281, Sheyenne's one-stop shop for gas, vehicle parts, homemade food and more, is officially under new ownership.

Pam and Mark Rue, who bought the store over five years ago, have decided to pass the business on to their future son-in-law, Jake Perleberg.

Perleberg had been dating Abbie Rue, their daughter, for years. However, when the Transcript went to Route 281 to grab a picture, Perleberg took the opportunity to get on one knee and propose, and she said yes!

Together, the two will operate Route 281 similarly to how it's been run previously: with a focus on excellent service, delicious food and with a focus on serving the Sheyenne community.

Perleberg, a native of New Rockford that now lives in Sheyenne, officially took the business over on Jan. 1 of this year, and he told the Transcript on Tuesday that he's already seeing the community's appreciation for the services Route 281 provides.

"It's been great," said Perleberg about how business has been going so far. "The people of Sheyenne have been very supportive ... I never realized how much business they do here."

Route 281 is a full-service gas station, repair shop and convenient store, and Perleberg was sure to mention that those services aren't going anywhere.

"Jamie Bonderson still works in the shop and does oil changes, brakes, tires and whatever else you may need," said Perleberg. "And then the c-store has dinner specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the other days of the week there's always food available."

Before taking over Route 281, Perleberg worked at Dauenhauer Diesel Repair, and continues working there to this day. His fiance, meanwhile, gained experience with convenience stores while working at Casey's in New Rockford.

Abbie Rue, also a New Rockford native, told the Transcript that she really likes working at Route 281, and that she enjoys seeing and talking to the "regulars" that stop in from the community.

Rue also encouraged any potential customers to come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays for their homemade dinner specials. This week they're preparing chicken and broccoli over pasta on Tuesday, and cream of potato soup on Thursday.

At the shop, meanwhile, Perleberg acquiring more inventory, and that there's already some new equipment on the way, such as a new hoist, new garage doors, and more fencing supplies. He also mentioned that there's opportunities for customers to save money.

"We can offer the spring filter sale," he said. "If any of the farmers or people want oil filters or fuel filters for their equipment, they can bring in a list, we can go through it, and see what we can do for them."

Perleberg would also like anyone with ideas on anything to expand their inventory with to reach out on Facebook or stop by and let the ladies at the till know what they'd like to see.

Whether in need of an oil change, a new filter, or simply a delicious home cooked meal, Route 281 seems to have a bit of everything for their customers, and that won't be changing anytime soon.

Those interested in taking advantage of everything Route 281 has to offer, are encouraged to visit their Facebook page, where patrons can view their hours and keep up with the latest dinner specials.