Stewart Grocery in Buffalo Gap closing after 8 decades of community service

BUFFALO GAP, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)- Since 1946, Stewart Grocery in Buffalo Gap has been the local one stop shop for gassing up and chowing down, all the while owned and operated by the Stewart family. Owner Mickey Stewart announced recently that the store will be closing on Saturday, May 31, leading to an outpouring of memories and well wishes shared by locals.

Debbie Powers has been a store clerk at Stewart Grocery for about 5 years now, calling the place a ‘home away from home’, a sentiment that many in the community share. She tells KTAB/KRBC that the decision to close the store comes from a number of factors not the least of which are financial concerns due to the rising cost of stocking, insuring, and operating the beloved corner store.

“You have to have insurance on everything you sell out of the store to cover it. You have to have insurance on the property. That’s went up probably 30, 40% over the last couple of years…it’s kind of hard for a little mom and pops to compete with all the forward progress,” Powers said.

For all the bittersweet memories that have come up in the wake of the announcement, Powers hopes that the public will show up in force to say their farewells and buy their final goods throughout the coming week as their closing day approaches, Powers saying there is still time to make a few fond memories more.

“People come in and, you know, get a fountain drink visit. They always ask us how we’re doing and we ask them how they’re doing. I love that part. I’m going to miss that part of it…I myself am thankful for the community and their support and i know Mickey is thankful for it through the years. I would just say to them, don’t be sad. Come out and give him a good sendoff. Help him clean the store out,” said Powers.

Special deals on goods and store stock will be held all throughout the coming week leading up to the final day on Saturday, May 31. Powers saying that day will be the public’s last chance to enjoy one of Mickey’s famous ground meat hamburgers made from high quality chuck, as well as a slice of their well known pizza.