E.W. Thomas Grocery celebrates serving the community for 100 years

FLUVANNA COUNTY. (WVIR) - A family-owned grocery store in Fluvanna County is celebrating 100 years of serving the community.

E.W. Thomas Grocery Store got its start in 1926 in the village of Palmyra.

Current and former employees have all agreed that when you work for E.W. Thomas, you aren’t just working at a grocery store, you’re part of a family.

“My sisters, Linda, Lee and Ann, and my husband Wade. They are the reason we are still here today,” said Beth Thomas, owner and manager.

“My father brought the store here in ’67, he was told then, it would never work, being so far away from the village,” Thomas said.

Today, Beth Thomas runs the aisles alongside her family, wearing whatever hat is needed.

She says she believes in karma, giving support and receiving it back.

“I’ve got a tremendous team from family... and employees that have given blood, sweat, and tears that are now family, and friends that have come back day after day, year after year... and now they’re here with their children, their great-grandchildren. That’s why we’re here,” said Thomas.

That community support extends to vendors as well. Stephanie Halfacre said the store was quick to open its doors to her business.

“Beth was so gracious to support me this year... selling cut flowers here and really encouraging me. E.W. Thomas is a great supporter of small businesses... we all work together,” said Halfacre, owner of Merry Oaks Flowers.

For many, this celebration feels like coming home, after working in the aisles for year.

Former employee Greg Breeden is one of them. He worked in E.W. Thomas for 37 years.

“It’s a family situation, it really is. And everybody knows everybody. To me, being here today for their 100th anniversary, it’s been like a family reunion. And so many people I have not seen in 30 years... it’s just wonderful,” Breeden said.

The store is open Monday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.