PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, VA --Today will mark the end of an era for a local grocery store. Parker’s Grocery on Route 10 in Prince George County will close their doors after more than 51 years in business.
In the five decades since their doors opened, Parker’s has become a mainstay for Prince George and the surrounding areas.
Some employees have been with the store almost as long as it's been open. They said today the community is losing much more than just a grocery store.
Blake Bishop has worked at the country store for 35 years. "This is just a community center for Prince George County. It's like a family business but none of us are related, but we've known each other our entire lives," Bishop said. "You have a job here where you know 80 percent of the people that came into the store. We knew their names, we knew their kids names too."
Parker's Grocery was known as one of the few stores that still offered full service at the gas pump and pay with a monthly credit system.
Bishop said, he hopes someone takes over the store and keep their country store roots.
The store's future has been uncertain since owner Henry Parker passed away in February. Parker operated Parker’s Grocery in addition to serving on the Prince George County Board of Supervisors for more than 30 years.
