Agway began in 1964 as a farmers’ cooperative. It was actually the merger of three large northeast co-ops that joined forces and took the name “Agway”. It stands for “Agricultural Way”. Agway stores began as “company owned” stores whose main customers were the local farmers in their individual communities. As the number of working farms declined, giving way to development, Agway stores adapted and expanded their product lines to accommodate the multitude of homeowners that replaced them.  In and around the year 2000, Agway began the task of converting company-owned stores to individually owned locations.

It was in March of 2000 that the Cichanowicz’s (pronounced Chick-an-o-wits) bought the Southold location and renamed it Chick’s Agway. Dave Cichanowicz grew up in Peconic on a potato farm. His family farm was actually a member of the Agway Co-op. Dave is also the founder and owner of Creative Environmental Design, landscape design and construction company, and is a graduate of horticultural studies. Val Cichanowicz has a B.A. in Business Administration with a minor in Biology. She worked for Agway, managing several of their locations since 1990. It was an easy decision for them to purchase the Southold location when it was offered for sale. It was a perfect fit. Val has been an NYS DEC licensed pesticide applicator for 20 years, specializing in turf and ornamentals. She brings her experiences and expertise to the table to offer advice and solutions to the multitude of pest problems that can plague backyard gardens. Her love of the environment has her constantly seeking out organic solutions to manage pests, and over the years the number of organic items that the store carries has greatly increased.

Since the Cichanowicz’s took over the store, they have made numerous improvements, including the expansion of the nursery area and increase the depth of the many product lines the store now carries. Inside you will find fertilizers, soil conditioners, yard tools, lawn and garden chemicals, pool supplies, premium brand pet food, and pet supplies. You will also find wild bird feed, livestock and equine feed and supplies, small animal food, animal health and grooming supplies, propane and more. You will see a more complete product line as you navigate our website.

If you love your home, your pets, wildlife, and being outdoors, then Chick’s Agway is the place for you! Val has a trained staff of enthusiastic employees that eagerly await your next visit. Whether it is to learn how to raise a backyard flock of egg-laying hens (like the ones they raise at the store) or to learn how to combat your garden pest problems, they will have the answers. The store stocks over 17,000 SKUs and they are constantly adding new items. If you don’t see something you’re looking for, please ask the staff for assistance. With deliveries arriving daily from many different vendors, your “special order” may be only a day or two away!