Historic Mandan Drug, a staple on Main Street since the 1880s, is up for sale.

Rusty and Debbie Kruger, the owners of the business that is perhaps best known now for its old-fashioned soda fountain, lunch counter and Lindy Sue’s Candies, will retire Dec. 22. They’ve operated Mandan Drug for 24 years.

“The prescription, soda fountain and candy business has been very good for us and we will miss the day-to-day contact with many wonderful people who have become our friends,� the Krugers said in a statement.

Rusty Kruger agreed earlier this month to sell the pharmacy portion of the business to Thrifty White Drug. Following the Krugers’ last day at Mandan Drug on Dec. 22, all patient records will be automatically transferred to the Thrifty White pharmacy, located at 511 First St. NW.

The Krugers would like to sell the rest of Mandan Drug, which they described as a turnkey business with an existing clientele. They’re asking $240,000 for the building and the business, including the candy inventory, equipment, supplies and recipes, as well as all trademark names. Trademarks include the Lewis & Clark, Sacagawea and Custer candy bars.

 “We want the candy business and lunch counter to continue thriving and for the building to remain a hub of business activity in downtown Mandan,� Rusty Kruger said. “Mandan is a good town.�

Mandan Drug’s retro look has been featured in Good Housekeeping, Midwest Living and American Cowboy magazines, as well as in local media.

Mandan Drug was founded in 1883 by J.R. Clark, and has been in its present location at 316 W. Main St. since shortly thereafter. The Krugers bought it in 1982 from from James and Inez Hanson, who owned and operated the drugstore since 1964.

Prospective buyers should call Rusty Kruger at 663-5900.

Althought the Krugers are ready for a slightly slower pace, they won’t be relaxing completely. Rusty Kruger is already developing plans for renovation of another retail property at 718 W. Main for a gallery of art and collectibles. As with Mandan Drug, he is working with artist Bill Reynolds of Washburn to create a unique look for that building.