Agri Feed named one of ‘America’s Coolest’
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Agri Feed Pet Supply manager Chris Osterman, left, and assistant manager Melanie Moore are ready to show all the cool merchandise in the Agri Feed store. - Photos by Tammy Cheek
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Agri Feed Pet Supply sales associate Bella Johnson, far left, helps customers, Desirae second from left, Greg and Leanne Dean find pet needs for their pup. - Photos by Tammy Cheek
Agri Feed Pet Supply, 10420 Kingston Pike, and 5716 Middlebrook Pike, recently was named to Pets Plus Magazine’s 2026 “America’s Coolest” list.
“It’s one of just nine independent pet businesses recognized nationally this year out of 25 semi-finalists,” according Pets Plus.
“It was very exciting,” Kingston Pike store manager Chris Osterman said about the nomination. “It was a great honor, and we’re celebrating 50 years this year, so that makes it even that much more special.”
“Judge Claudia Loomis put it best: ‘Being able to evolve and grow for 50 years — that is a huge accomplishment,’” the store’s website stated. “Fifty years in, we’re just getting started.”
One step into Agri Feed’s doors shows the store is more than just pet food. Patrons can find equestrian apparel and tack, pet toys, supplements and other items.
And, “we strive on customer service and carrying good, high-quality foods to help the customers do best for their family members because they’re not just pets; they’re part of the family,” said Osterman, who has been with the company for more than 20 years. “Our [Kingston Pike] store has the equine [items]. The Middlebrook Store now has the dog park, and they have a spa.”
About lasting 50 years, the manager said she thinks “being family-owned by mother and son, Melissa and Britt Sturm, kept the business going.
Osterman said the business started as a Purina feed store by Britt’s grandfather. When Britt’s father, Brad, took over the store, he expanded the line of merchandise.
“We still carry the farm feeds and all that, but now it’s more pet supply,” Osterman said.
Patrons can read about the store’s family history on its Facebook page.
The business originally was located off Kingston Pike, near Grassy Valley Church, but moved in 2020 to Lovell Heights shopping center to garner more space.
“This is a great location,” Osterman said, adding the new location also gives the business
better visibility from the street.
Agri Feed is open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed Sundays.
