Hometown Grocery and Market, rebuilt from the fire-ravaged ruins of community mainstay Younger's Grocery.

MCLEMORESVILLE - On June 9, Hometown Grocery and Market, rebuilt from the fire-ravaged ruins of community mainstay Younger's Grocery, opened its doors to the public at 5:30 a.m.

The business is located in downtown McLemoresville across from the Carroll Bank and Trust and in the mini-mall beside the former Carter Store.

Rebuilt by Espey Oil Company following a fire that gutted the structure in the fall of 2007, the new business is owned by Randy and Lenisa Powers.

During a telephone interview with The Banner, Mrs. Powers said, "We are so excited about opening the store. Community feedback regarding our opening has been very positive."

She continued, "Although this is my first time to work in the grocery-deli business, I am thankful to be assisted by my mother. She worked for Mr. Billy Younger at the store."

She added, "After the fire last September, Espey Oil Company had to take down damaged walls and remove all the debris. I am thankful that they were able to save the front wall and side wall of the building adjacent to Carter Store. Most of the floor was saved, too."

She concluded, "We are going to keep the grocery and deli as close to what Mr. Billy had here. We will offer fresh ground beef, ribeye steak, and deli meats. In addition, we will serve the same kind of bologna Mr. Billy served. It's important to us that our customers are provided with the same quality of service and selection that they were accustomed to having in the past. We invite everyone to come by and shop here- we look forward to serving our customers."

Hometown Grocery's grand opening celebration is slated for June 21.

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