Latimer Grocery to Change Ownership

After 18 years in business, Latimer Grocery is closing and will re-open under new ownership.

Manager Regina Blau — who’s been running the grocery store since 2023 — emphasized that the closure is not a reflection of the management or the community support, but rather the result of a change in property ownership. The business has been sold and the new owners are set to take over in the near future.

According to Blau, the grocery store has served a couple thousand customers each year since she’s been there, receiving statewide media recognition and accolades, including the Joni Ernst “small business of the week” award last November. And each customer is just as important as the last, Blau said, whether they’re buying a 50-cent sucker or dozens of pizzas for an event.

When asked about the future of the store and building, Blau said she hopes the space continues to serve as an asset for the community, which she has grown to love over the last 35 years.

“It’s been really rewarding and it’s been fun to see all the kids my kids went to school with now with their own kids,” she said. “We’re a small community so everybody knows everybody and it’s been so nice to see all of the new people come through town. I’m going to miss this place.”

Latimer Grocery shareholder and board member Karla Peter told the Chronicle that they are excited to see what's in store for the business.

"It’s sad for us to close our doors but I’m excited for Clay Miller and Deana Hernandez and their family," she said. "I’m excited to see what they bring to the community. That is what matters."

Peter explained that running Latimer Grocery — which first opened its doors in 2008 — has been a group effort split between board members and Blau. The board is made up of Karla and her husband, Doug Peter; Kent and Chris Morton; Roy Plagge; Del Ray and Barb Farrer; Tyler and Sarah DeBour; Randy and Sue DeBour; Mark and LuAnn Johansen; and Scott and Jennifer Borcherding.

Throughout the years, Latimer Grocery has served as a staple for those in town, as well as Coulter, Alexander and beyond, including customers from out of state who would stop by for deli and noon specials on their way through.

One of their most popular offerings, aside from their delicious deli sandwiches, was their pizza. Peter credited Blau for coming up with the idea, saying it was one of many great ideas that she had contributed while there.

"I have great pride in what we’ve done in the last three years," said Peter. "Gina and I have worked very closely together to bring customers what they want and need to make it a place where they can gather and congregate."

When it comes to their recent award from Senator Joni Ernst, Peter called it the "frosting on the cake" for their business, before handing the keys over.