Owner of Snax Enterprises in downtown Oswego offers snacks from all over the world. Started his business at age 26 in part funded by stimulus checks he saved during COVID-19
By Stefan Yablonski
If calamari squid flavored potato chips from China aren’t for you, perhaps the Lay’s potato chips that taste like Kobe beef are more your style. Graham Barney started Snax Enterprises last spring. The store at 167 W. First St. in Oswego offers unique snacks, candies and beverages from every corner of the world.
Q: When did you start?
A: I started in 2023. Snax Enterprises opened April 7 — I basically sold out in the first two days. I honestly didn’t expect that kind of turnout. I’d be happy with like 30 customers, but it was like 300 … a line out the door the first day. I don’t know if I’ll ever have as good a day as that. It was outstanding.
Q: And now?
A: Typical day now, I’d say about two dozen people on an average week day. Sometimes a little busier on the weekends. It slows some times during the day, it comes in waves.
Q: Why this type of business?
A: I went to one of these stores a few years ago. They were slowly popping up after COVID, I’d say in 2021. I saw this was trending and I took a real particular interest in it. When I travel, my main motivator has always been food I like to try new things, new experiences. This kind of brings it all home to me. It gives people an outlet to try new things without having to travel too far from home.
Q: So you kind of learned as you went?
A: I did a lot of research online and through networking. I was able to stumble across wholesalers or order directly from other countries — that’s always evolving. From certain companies you have to buy a certain amount to work with them. It takes a lot of research. You have to stay up on what’s out there, what’s new. You have to shop around; it’s kind of like a treasure hunt. I was working really hard and making great money. But I wasn’t really happy and I wanted to find something that I could really enjoy and that other people would as well. So subconsciously I guess this was always my passion.
Q: How old were you when you started?
A: I was 26 when I opened, I’m 27 now. I think I’m the youngest business owner in Oswego.
Q: Did you buy this site?
A: I currently lease this building. I invested my personal life savings of roughly $35,000 into starting the business; with no loans or debt to anyone. I saved up my personal life savings. A third of this came from the federal government; when I was laid off during COVID we were getting the stimulus checks and unemployment. I saved every thing.
Q: Was it tough to get going?
A: The toughest part was finding a suitable location for the shop and waiting on paperwork and application approval from the state and city. Also, being 26, there were issues of people not taking me seriously — assuming that my idea wouldn’t work because they’ve never heard of it before. With a decade-plus experience of the ins and outs of retail from store clerk to management and facility maintenance, I have a lot of experience with customer service and what makes a shopping experience special.
Q: What’s your business experience?
A: Ace Hardware retail and warehouse management; Bodified store clerk; Scriba water operator; and LeRoi Jewelry order manager and laser welder.
Q: Products from how many countries are available here?
A: I feature hundreds of snacks and sodas originating from between 36 and 48 different countries since opening with new arrivals every week. Products are always changing. Requests for certain items can be taken in store. I do have some vegan and gluten-free treats available. I do try to expand on that. It’s becoming more popular nowadays.
Q: What are your best sellers?
A: The freeze-dried candy (USA) is a good seller. It’s one of those things that’s different and people like to try it. Also, Snickers from Brazil, United Kingdom Skittles and Kit Kats (a variety of flavors) from all over the world. Second best is soda and beverages — with over 50 drinks to choose from there’s an overwhelming variety. Mountain Dew varieties from around the world. This one [from New Zealand] sells for $15 a can. I didn’t think anyone would want to buy it — but people love it! It is one of the rarest flavors. I get them from Canada, Korea, all over. I got Red Bull from Thailand, a bunch of Hispanic sodas made with real cane sugar and Japanese sodas that are very popular as well. We have milkshakes from the United Kingdom. Chips are third with selections from Canada to Australia. A lot of choices for the salty snack connoisseurs. I have Pringles from Japan, some from South Korea and some from India and China currently. There is a South American chopped steak one. You can taste the char of the grill, the steak flavoring. It’s really dynamic — it’s one of my favorites right now.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received?
A: That would be “be careful of who you take advice from.” People are going to talk and criticize you no matter what you do. Being genuine to your vision and idea and executing it is crucial to moving up on any plan and process. Consult with those that have affirmed interest in your success. The advice I’d give to new business owners is to take calculated risks. Nothing was ever great by being ordinary. But don’t bite off more then you can chew.
Q: Do the products have a “best if used by date” and can you send back stuff that doesn’t sell?
A: Products do have a “Best By” or “Use By” date. If they don’t sell by then, I have to take the loss. There is a high-risk factor with ordering new flavors as they may or may not be a hit.
Q: So you plan on being here for a long time?
A: No matter where you come from or who you are — everyone loves snacks. I’m taking something that works, but am bringing something new to the table, so to speak. I’m looking forward to progressing my business further, doing more events and hiring employees in the future. I wouldn’t be here without the tremendous support from my hometown community and am very grateful to have made it this far.
