Congo Fireplace

If you’ve ever been in the market for a fireplace, you may be familiar with Congo Fireplace and Patio in Benton. But what you may not know is that this four-generation store has been serving Saline County since the 1920s and offers much more than just fireplaces. 

“My grandfather, August Maertens, came from Germany in 1920 after returning home from the war and started Congo Mercantile in a canvas tent,” explained current manager Bryan Maertens. “After a few years he opened a general store with hardware, groceries, feed, and seed. When August fell ill in 1962, my parents Robert and Tamara Maertens took over and continued running the mercantile store.” 

In 1980, the family closed the mercantile, moved to the current location on the  Interstate, and focused on woodstoves and hearth products. Over the years, the  business has grown to include gas log stoves, grills, smokers, furniture, and a wide variety of fireplaces. “We added the grills in 1990, along with other products, as the demand for those items increased,” Bryan said. “We feel like we have really stayed on top of what customers want.” 

And their customers’ comments certainly prove it. Dennis W. states, “Great people and great equipment; they really know their products and it’s at a fair price!” And Kristen J. adds, “Very friendly and knowledgeable staff; I will definitely always shop at Congo Fireplace and Patio!”

Bryan said his four salesmen (with him included) have a combined 90+ years of sales experience between them, and Bryan himself first began working at the store while still in high school. He moved into sales in 1994 and became Manager in 2002. “I have 

worked my way up and learned all aspect of our business, which has really helped,” he said. 

Bryan’s son Clayton worked in the warehouse all during high school just like his father, and also in college. When he graduated from Arkansas State, he came to work at the store full time. “It has been a real blessing having Clayton here with me,” Bryan said. “He is great with customers and is learning a lot about the business.” 

Congo Fireplace and Patio currently has the largest inventory of hearth and outdoor furniture in the State of Arkansas. “With over 20,000 square feet of showroom space, we are able to display the largest selection of wood and pellet stoves, wood and gas fireplaces, gas logs, inserts, grills and firepits,” Bryan said. “We have customers come from the entire state for products, so we like to keep a large inventory on hand,” Bryan explained. 

The fall and winter are the busiest time for the business, and they feature all sorts of items that make excellent Christmas gifts, from gas logs, firepits, tool sets, fireplace screens, and patio heaters. They also offer financing through Wells Fargo.

Bryan says his favorite items are the popular ones that keep selling, but he also likes the “fun” products like their cool and unique firepits. The store also features more than 40 live burning displays, so customers can really get a feel for what they are buying before they make a purchase. 

“People ask me what I recommend most, and I always ask them what they are looking for,” Bryan explained. He said if someone is wanting gas and they are looking for emergency heating, he would recommend the Ventfree products. Wood stoves, inserts or fireplaces are always a good option for supplementary heat or emergency heat too, whereas most 

electric fireplaces are more for decoration even though they do have a small heater. 

“Having all of these options for our customers, I believe, is what really sets us apart,” Bryan said. 

It’s not just the amazing products that set Congo Fireplace and Patio apart, it’s the continued loyalty and customer service they offer their patrons. Bryan proudly stressed, “We do service what we sell. We have a service department that works extremely hard to keep all products purchased from our store up and running their best.”

Congo Fireplace and Patio is located at 19650 I-30 in Benton and is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
You can also check out their website at
congofp.com or call 501-316-4328.  νCamille Bissell