There are many advantages of living in a rural area like Garrett County. Number one is the number of small businesses we have. Small businesses not only enrich a community but generally offer exceptional service to all who enter.
Some of the best examples of this are the wonderful folks at Hartman’s Liberty, located along Route 219 in Accident, MD. Rick Hartman opened the business in 1985, which started as a gas station and offered automotive repairs.
In 1998, Rick made the decision to remodel and rebrand the business as a convenience store. Since then, it has become a well-known “one stop shop” for everything from beer, snacks and as a popular stop for quick, delicious food any time of day.
Sadly, Rick passed away suddenly in May of 2018 but he left the business to his fiance Barbara Lynch who had worked alongside him in the business for years. To honor him and their history, she continues to run it exactly as he envisioned it all those years ago.
Hartman’s Liberty offers just about everything you need in one quick stop. Not only a convenient place to gas up your car, here you’ll find many convenience items on your shopping list from staples like bread and milk to sweet treats like candy and ice cream novelties.
They stock many household items and also sell and exchange propane tanks, kerosene, and you will find a nice selection of automotive supplies as well.
In addition to a large selection of soda and juice, you’ll also find a great selection of cold beer plus delicious wines and seltzers including popular favorites like Smirnoff ICE, Mike’s Hard Lemonade and White Claw.
Barb and store manager Mark Griffin, also offer seasonal items like hanging baskets of flowers in the spring (a perfect gift for Mother’s Day!) and pumpkins and mums in the fall.
If you’re hungry, however, this is definitely the place for you. Their kitchen is open daily and serves a variety of items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their breakfast pizza is a delicious way to start the day or you can try one of their breakfast sandwiches with your favorite combination of sausage, egg, ham, and cheese served on a hot biscuit or bagel.
They have a variety of options for lunch and dinner including pizza, wedgies, subs (many pre-made for quick in and out shopping), hot dogs and sandwiches. The menu includes cheeseburgers BLTs, and BBQ Pork sandwiches. Barb just expanded the menu and they are now offering deep fried items including French fries, chicken tenders and mozzarella cheese sticks.
If you’re looking for a hot, fresh cup of coffee, stop by their coffee bar which features blends made from 100% Arabica beans. They also have cappuccino along with your favorite add-ins like flavored creamers and more.
Don’t forget dessert! In addition to a large variety of packaged snacks, they sell delicious homemade cookies baked fresh by Dorothy Glotfelty, who has managed Hartman’s kitchen since it opened and will be celebrating her 83rd birthday this month!
Anyone who ever shopped at Hartman’s Liberty before 2018 will remember Rick’s broad smile and welcome as he greeted each guest that entered the store. It is his greatest legacy and one that Barb and Mark continue to offer. “One of our biggest policies is good customer service,” says Barb. “We train all of our employees to greet our customers, thank them for their business, and to offer any help or information they may need. Rick always believed that the people who shop here are not just customers—they are our friends and family.”
Barb, Mark and Dorothy are joined by a great staff to help each and every customer. Behind the counter you can find Cheryl Doyle, Allison Patton, Amanda Hoover, Levi DeWitt, Samantha Wilt and Tasha Griffin. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the staff has been working harder than ever to clean, sanitize, and make sure their customers remain safe.
Hartman’s Liberty is open Monday through Friday from 5 AM to 9 PM, Saturday from 6 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 7 AM to 9 PM. The kitchen is open until 8 PM daily. Be sure to stop by soon to this local institution and meet one of the friendliest staffs in the area.