David Lawrence

Small Business Spotlight: Super Foods

Staff Report

Super Foods of Tallassee just celebrated its 50th anniversary. It opened in 1967 when Norris Watson and his son-in-law, Gene Lawrence, opened Big Bear. A name change came later, but the business is still a family-run operation.

The store was originally corporate-owned by wholesaler Hudson Thompson. Watson was the store manager. Lawrence was the produce manager. The family purchased the business shortly after it opened in ’67.

David Lawrence has been a part of the business his entire life.

“Although I spent most of my life working at the store, in 1989 I became an actual employee at age 15.  After graduating from Troy University, I became a part of the leadership team,” he said. “My family had fallen in love with Tallassee. The store was owned and operated by our family as Big Bear until 1972 when we added the Super Foods Supermarkets name. At that time, we remodeled the store to provide additional space for new products and offerings. In 1987, we had another remodel that doubled the size of the store, adding even more value to our customers.”

In addition to the name change, there has been a relocation to across the street on Gilmer Avenue and the addition of a another store on the east side of the Tallapoosa River.

The late Jack Venable purchasing coffee

“Our desire continued to grow for a second location to serve our patrons and in August of 2010 we opened East Tallassee Super Foods on Notasulga Road,” David noted. “As both locations continued to grow, the need for a larger store in Tallassee was evident. In March of 2013 the original store was moved to its current location in the Hampton Place Shopping Center.”

Super Foods has given back to the community in so many ways including; car shows, pancake suppers, school sponsorships, feeding athletes, band concerts, hosting church events and numerous donations to various community groups.

David and all the Lawrence’s are thankful to the community that has supported them as well.

“Our family is extremely grateful for the support and love we have felt since moving to Tallassee in 1967. When “Papaw” first visited Tallassee, he fell in love with the town. My family made their home here and my dad has always said he considers the people we serve to be the salt of the earth. Having grown up here I certainly agree.”

Tallassee Times is promoting local area businesses each week in partnership with the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce. Businesses will also be featured on 1300 WTLS/106.5 FM during the “Chamber Chat” segment of “The Wake-Up Call” at 7:15 each Wednesday morning.

*Photos courtesy of David Lawrence

Gene Lawrence

Send Comments