November is the month I try to write about what to be thankful for. We have a great little Grocery store that never stops giving, and I wanted to talk to you about it. In most cases, they have what we need, and if they don't have it, Deb Louvar will order it in.
Her philosophy is simple, " I just try to do the best I can. Try to meet people's needs as best as you can."
The Grocery Store is a big giver to the community. They donate to almost every cause in our community. "Because it's important to give back. It absolutely is important to give back. That's how we keep these little communities going."
"When I leave (Big Sandy) and I come back-- I'm coming home. It feels like that for a long time now. And when Dave and I ran to Billings the other day, it was like-- I just love Ekalaka, and I mean, I grew up there, and I have some good memories of that place truly, but I have no desire to go back there. I hear people talk about going home again; I don't because this is home. I don't see myself living anywhere else.
Dave and Deb Louvar took over The Grocery Store May 2, 2002. They bought the store from John Gunhold. Deb worked for John for about two years. When she was 21, she worked at another grocery store for almost two years. John was telling Deb while he was cutting and wrapping meat that he was selling the store. Deb went home and told Dave. Dave said, "Go back tomorrow and tell him we'll buy it."
So it was Dave's idea, which turned out to be great because General Mills Elevator, which Dave was managing, closed down. It allowed them to stay in Big Sandy and raise their children.
Dave is originally from Chicago. They have five children: JP and Jeremy from Dave's first marriage, and Patrick, Matthew, and Morgan.
The store will be expanding. That is, hopefully, by next year, and it will definitely happen by 2025.
They have nine employees. They're not all full-time. I like shopping there. Every employee welcomes me and has a great smile. For example, if you are having a tough day, go to The Grocery Store. Have a cup of fancy coffee, a milkshake, or an ice cream bar. Stop and visit for a second. It's a great place to add a smile to your day. I'm so thankful for them. Their support of our community is extraordinary. Our support for them should be incredible as well.
