For decades, Williamson's Food Store in Melrose has been a beloved local establishment. People would stroll through its aisles, filling their carts with various goods. But now, the owner, Bruce Williamson, has made the difficult decision to sell the store.
A Melrose Institution's Bittersweet End
History and Family Legacy
Williamson's Food Store holds a special place in the hearts of Melrose residents. Since 1972, it has been in the Williamson family. Owner Bruce Williamson shared, "Got a lot of people that like I said come in and they say we’re going to miss you. Well I’m going to miss interacting with the people but I just can’t do it anymore." This store has witnessed generations of families coming in to shop and build memories.It has seen the community grow and change over the years. As Williamson prepares to retire, an offer is in progress and the deal could close by the end of January. This marks the end of an era for the store and the community.The Impact on Staff
Paul Seay, a meat cutter at Williamson's Food Store since 1985, has witnessed the store's growth firsthand. He said, "I used to know everybody that came in but not anymore. Those times have changed." Seay has developed a deep connection with the customers and the store. Working long hours, from 14 to 16 hours a day, he has become an integral part of the Williamson's family.His colleagues and the customers will surely miss his expertise and friendly demeanor. Seay hopes that the store will continue to thrive under new ownership.The Community's Sentiment
Resident Amy Stanley expressed her sadness about the store's potential sale. She said, "Everyone is sad about it because we don’t know what else is coming. It’s so convenient and it’s mostly the people that work there. We know everybody. You go in and not just the people that work there but other shoppers. You know everybody in the store."Stanley believes that Williamson's is a big asset to the community. Despite the growth of the area and the presence of nearby competitors like Winn-Dixie, the store has been booming. She hopes that a grocery store owner like Ward's Supermarket will buy the store and keep it a local grocery destination.Even though the community is changing, many people like Stanley want places like Williamson's to remain the same. They value the sense of community and familiarity that the store provides.Williamson himself hopes that the new owner will continue to operate the store as a grocery store. While he has no control over the future, he holds the store dear to his heart.Click here to subscribe to our newsletterCopyright 2024 WCJB. All rights reserved.READ MORE