Haines’ Quick Shop that burned down reopens to crowds, fanfare

Young customers wait to enter the new Quick Shop in Haines on Friday, May 8, 2026. (Will Steinfeld/Chilkat Valley News)

By Will Steinfeld

Chilkat Valley News

A little over a year and a half after it burned down, the Quick Shop is back: bigger, and better — many at the grand opening said on Friday. 

“The only place in town you can get beer, butter, and bullets,” is what emcee Dan Mahoney said, as he welcomed the first throng through the entryway of the new store Friday afternoon.

The ribbon cutting and door opening drew long lines and filled parking lots around the building. 

The first into the new shop were largely kids, and the store’s candy section was heavily thinned out within seconds of opening. 

Axel Stickler claimed to be the first customer of the new store, after he bought a bag of skittles. While the claim was not disputed by his friends in line, it could not be independently verified. 

Other purchases, by adults, included Joanie Wagner, with a new pair of Xtratufs. 

“I’ve been waiting months to buy new gardening boots,” Wagner said, adding that she prefers to buy from brick and mortar stores, where she can support locals and try on shoes before purchasing. 

The number of people gathered was one indication of the connection many residents had with the old Quick Shop when it burned down in October 2024;  Charlie DeWitt said it outright as he looked around the new store: “You have to give (owner Mike Ward) a lot of credit,” DeWitt said. “He could’ve just quit. This took commitment and it shows.” 

Ward, for his part, said the opening was even bigger than he expected. 

“I didn’t realize, until the old place burned down, the connection people had to it. It’s gratifying to see people back,” he said.   

• This article originally appeared in the Chilkat Valley News.