Last year, Richey’s Grocery Store—located between the Shelby County line and Pell City limit on Old U.S. Hwy. 231 South—closed its doors after almost 50 years of serving the community.

“People were really upset in the area when it closed—it was a landmark,” said Larry Daugherty, president of the Pell City Chamber of Commerce. “It’s like anything if you take it away, you realize how much you love it and want it back.”

Tuesday morning brought the return of the family business, general store and local gathering place.

A grand reopening, complete with ribbon cutting ceremony, brought out an enthusiastic group of involved parties, including Pell City Chamber representatives and the new owners and employees. The previous runners of the store, direct descendants of the Richeys, were also in attendance—showing their support and continued involvement.

While under new management, the community can still expect the family-inspired practices around which Richey’s Grocery Store—or just “Richey’s” to locals—formed its reputation.

(Yes, this includes the popular meat market and roadside produce stand, two of many things for which Richey’s was known.)

Built by Donald Richey in 1967, the store was originally operated by he and his wife, Sally (both now deceased); eventually being passed on to their daughter, Debbie Crump. For the past 21 years, she ran the business along with her son, Greg, and her daughter, Jamie Crump Allen.

“(Debbie) does everything for everybody; she took care of everybody here at the store. The community just loved her,” said Allen. “Just to have that bond with the community, that kind of trust and respect—people did everything here; from their groceries, gasoline, supplies, socializing and more. It was the family country store.”

Thanks to new owners Feroz “Frank” Devani and Sahin “Sam” Lalani, as well as the ongoing involvement of the Crump family, the business will once again serve as a local landmark and one stop shop.

“(My family) couldn’t be more proud they kept the name. They said they wanted to carry on the tradition—that means a lot,” continued Allen. “They set everything up, but have asked us for our input on how we ran it. They’re open to all our suggestions; things that maybe they didn’t know before, but that our customers want. (My mother) and I will be in and out of the store as needed, so (customers) will still get to see our faces.”

Devani and Lalani, both originally hailing from India, obtained the property in January and remodeling has been underway since—finally culminating in Tuesday’s celebratory event.

“Frank and Sam, they’re interested in meeting everybody here—and so excited,” said Allen. “All of our customers were so good to us; they were so loyal—I mean, they were friends. We knew and called everybody by name when they came in. Pawpaw (Donald Richey) started (calling customers by name) the first day he opened the store. I mean, (our customers) were like family. We all want it to still be your family store.”

“We are so glad this day has come—and very glad to be a part of this community,” said Devani with a modest grin. “I request that everyone just come and see us—we are here to help and serve the community. I am just so happy!”

Allen concluded, “it just means so much to my family; it means the world. This place is all we have ever known. We gave everything we had here—we all did. We just have so many ties to the community. I absolutely cannot tell you how much I love this place, and how happy I am to see the tradition carried on.”

Richey’s Grocery Store is located at 10094 Old U.S. Hwy. 231 South in Cropwell, across from Fat Man’s Bar-B-Que. For additional information, call the store at (205) 525-5361—or just drop by for a visit.