ISLAND FALLS — Jerry Violette got his start in the grocery business in 1977 as a grocery bagger under Jerry and Bud Bell. In 1988, he bought Al Ellis’ store and that was the beginning of Jerry’s Thriftway in Island Falls.
This year, Jerry’s Thriftway is celebrating its 25th anniversary and continues to meet the grocery needs of residents and visitors to the Island Falls area.
“I enjoy working with the people; if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here. We don’t have much turnover. Good portions of my employees have been here since Day One.”
Over his 25 years in business, Violette’s store has continued to stay focused on its customers and offers the area just about anything they need as far as grocery items go. They have a fully stocked grocery store: a bakery, a deli and meat department, an expanded frozen food department and a dairy case.
The frozen food section grew from 15 to 32 doors thanks to new and improved space with a large selection of popular items for customers. “Our shoppers are also enjoying an expanded deli section all at everyday low prices. We offer the finest selection of deli meats and our very popular fresh dough pizza,” says Violette.
The store also has a very cold and expanded beer case with a great selection of imported and domestic beers that go perfectly with Jerry’s delicious menu and grocery items.
Violette says “new items come in just about every week throughout the store.” The hardware section is expanding weekly and includes plumbing supplies, nails, nuts and bolts, tools, and paint with more to come.
For anglers, there are fishing supplies and live bait. And, for the whole family, there’s a nice selection of video rentals.
In early 2011, Violette completed, what he hopes will be, the final expansion at his grocery store when he added about 1,000 square feet to the building. The area features an extensive line of hardware items, particularly plumbing material.
Jerry’s Thriftway, located at 63 Houlton St. in Island Falls, is open Monday-Wednesday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For information call, 463-2828.
