S&R Vending Services

Owners:Sara and Rickie Healea

Address: 205 Lyndal St.,

Bentonville, 72712

Phone: 501-273-2206

Hours: by appointment

Start-up date: May 31

Nine vending machines are Sara and Rickie Healea’s first step toward their family business.

Envisioning a business that she and her husband can build together and pass on to their children, Sara Healea can see past the small beginnings of their new business.

Each of the initial nine machines dispense York Peppermint Patties, and the couple plans to add one or two new machines when possible, Healea says.

Larger snack machines and gum ball machines with lights and slides are a possible venture for S&R Vending in the future.

Currently, Sara and Rickie work other jobs in the Bentonville area. Although Sara says she does enjoy her job as a substitute teacher, she looks forward to being able to dedicate her time to their family business.

“We can all work together and not have to punch that old timecard,” Healea says.

Upon starting their vending service, the Healeas were told that they could expect an estimated 15 patties to be sold each day from each machine, Healea says. At the given rate, the machines pay for themselves in six months.

“This is easier than paying rent, and there is less overhead,” Healea says.

Vending candy in salons, shopping centers and restaurants, the couple cleans and refreshes the machines regularly. A flexible schedule is important for the Healeas.

“We can do it kind of when we want to and around our other jobs,” Healea says.