According to Early City Administrator Ken Thomas, having a grocery store has been on the top of list of requests from Early citizens for years, and on Wednesday that request become a reality as Big G’s Grocery opened its doors on Early Blvd for the first time.
“For as long as I can remember, whenever we would have planning or development meetings of any kind, the request from citizens was always a grocery store,” said Thomas. “It’s something that we have looked at as long as I can remember.”
Thomas stated that about two to three times a year, rumors begin to circulate about a chain grocery store opening in Early, but now some local owners have made it a reality.
“This is just perfect for Early,” he said. “They don’t have a problem with the proximity of driving into Brownwood, but people have always asked me – Why don’t we have a grocery store in Early.”
Owners Allen and Jolie Jenkins have operated the Big G’s Grocery Store at Lake Brownwood for years and according to the new store’s Assistant Manager Brenda Williams, they decided to open the store in Early because of demand.
“It’s been great seeing it from the ground up,” stated Williams who lives at the lake and was a customer of the Lake Brownwood store before becoming part of the management team at the Early store. She explained that she has 20 years of experience managing retail stores but that this is her first “adventure” in the grocery business.
Big G’s has a Facebook page that Williams said “has been blowing up” the past few days since the news of their opening.
Although today was a “soft” opening for the store, the parking lot has been full and there have been crowds all day, and according to store manager Dylan Jenkins, they ran out of shopping carts three times before 3:00 p.m.
“It’s a blessing, I’m glad we are here,” said Jenkins. “I hope it turns out well and we stay this busy.”
Williams stated that customers have come from other surrounding towns as well including Blanket, Zephyr, Rising Star, May, and even some customers of the Lake Brownwood store came to see what the new store looked like. Jim and Linda Keeney of Lake Brownwood did just that.
“We wanted to check this out,” said Mr. Keeney. “The man (Allen) does a good job. He runs a grocery store, not some place with all other things like Wal-Mart.”
Williams gave Brownwood News a tour of the new store pointing out that it has a full line of grocery products, fresh cut meats, a deli with fresh sandwiches and salads, a pet section, and even a drive thru for those purchasing 5 or less items.
“I love this place,” said Williams. “This one is here to stay.”
Thomas agreed; he believes that the demand and need for a grocery store in Early will help to make the business thrive. He too had heard about the store running out of carts due to the number of shoppers and stated that he hopes the customers continue to stream in as Early enjoys its first grocery store.
“I hope it gets worse. It is a first class operation.” Thomas stated, “We are thrilled for them. I hope he has to add on.”
Jenkins stated that the soft opening today is just the beginning. The store’s official grand opening will be held at a later date.
The Deli staff
Meat market
Produce selection
Cashiers Peyton Moore (left) and Melissa Cox (right).
