ROCK CAVE — The IGA grocery store in Rock Cave, West Virginia, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, marking over three decades of service to the community.
The store, originally purchased in 1989 by Jo Ann Hawkins and her late husband, Glen Hawkins, has become a vital part of the local area, offering residents a convenient place to shop close to home.
Reflecting on the journey, Jo Ann Hawkins, the previous owner and mother of the current owner, Wes Hawkins, shared her thoughts on the milestone.
“I bought this (IGA) in 1989 — it’s been 35 years — wow,” she said. “It’s been a good experience. I retired in 2019, and Wes, my youngest son, and his wife bought it from us.”
She also noted the store’s broader impact, saying, “The store is not just supported by the community here, but people come from all over, even as far as Alaska, taking our products with them.”
The store has gained a reputation, particularly for its high-quality meats, and has earned five-star ratings among IGA locations for many years.
“We’ve been a five-star store every year; people from other states know about us,” Jo Ann said.
The store’s influence extends well beyond the local area, with visitors from neighboring states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia frequently stopping by.
Wes Hawkins, the current owner, sees the store as more than just a grocery store—it’s a hub for the community.
“It’s a great place to meet community members, and it’s in a good location so that people don’t have to drive all the way into town,” he said.
Wes and his wife now work tirelessly to continue the family legacy, ensuring the IGA remains a community-driven space where locals can shop and connect.
Michelle Bailey, a longtime employee, shared her appreciation for the store’s role in the community.
“I enjoy working here with my customers. I live around here, so it’s close and convenient. People don’t have to drive all the way to Walmart,” Bailey said, highlighting the IGA’s importance in providing easy access to groceries for residents.
As the store celebrates this significant anniversary, it remains a symbol of community support and the hard work of dedicated employees.
“We’ve always had good, honest, hardworking workers here,” JoAnn Hawkins said proudly. With some employees having worked at the IGA for over 20 years, the store’s tradition of loyalty and service continues to thrive.
The 35th-anniversary celebration featured cake, punch and coffee, a fitting tribute to a store that has been a cornerstone of the Rock Cave community for so long.
