Lucy’s Grocery and More Opens – Ends 4-year Absence of a Grocery Store in Downtown Marlinton
In April of 2015, the FasCheck Grocery located at 916 3rd Avenue in Marlinton shut its doors after having served the community for fifteen years. With that closing, residents of downtown Marlinton who were without their own transportation, lost the ability to walk just a few blocks to shop for their groceries. They were left with either catching a ride or walking about seven-tenths of a mile from town, with much of the walk being alongside of busy U.S. 219, a struggle especially for the elderly in the summer, and possibly treacherous during winter weather.
Well, all that ended on July 11th 2019 when Johnny and Sharon Moore opened Lucy’s Groceries and More after purchasing and renovating the old FasCheck Store. We interviewed Sarah Doss, the Manager of the new store.
I asked Sarah if she knew why Johnny Moore had decided to open the store.
“Kind of a combination of things” said Doss. “There was an outcry from the community to have it back for the convenience for the people who have to walk long distances -have this back in town, and it really became something he wanted to do for the community. We had noticed people walking to the Dollar Store and the Rite Aid every morning. They’d get their one or two bags. They’d have to make that trip every day. That was a long trip for them and being in town it would be closer and easier for them to access.”
How did that make you feel seeing people carrying their groceries all the way back from there?
“It was heart-breaking, especially on hot days, super cold days, they are walking through all the snow banks along 219. It breaks your heart to see that.”
So, you knew there would be a demand right away?
“Yea, we did. We want to try and offer the best services for the community.”
What services do you provide?
“All right! So, we have dry goods; we have breads; fresh meats; fresh produce; we have an ice box outside; and hopefully soon, we’ll have propane exchange tanks outside as well.”
Do you have frozen foods?
“We do, we have frozen foods.”
What type of renovations did you all do on the building?
“Oh, my goodness! Everything was painted. All the shelving had old stickers taken off of it, completely cleaned and repainted. All the tile flooring was ripped up and then there was an epoxy stain put on that so it would be a nice durable surface. Just a little bit of everything. Everything has been scrubbed down and cleaned. There’s been new siding outside.”
What are your hours?
“Monday through Saturday, we are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and then Sundays we are 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.”
So, if you live in downtown Marlinton, you won’t have to make that long trip up 219 to get your groceries anymore.
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