Country Store returns hometown flavor to Jefferson

It’s not a Walmart, or a Target or a Kentucky Fried Chicken. But for the people of Jefferson, a rural community on Highway 28, the reopening of their beloved store can be seen as a sign that, maybe, just maybe, the economic tsunami will loosen its grip on local limitations.

The little store, which shares the same building as what used to be Jefferson’s post office, first opened its doors to the public way back in 1957. It quickly earned a reputation for good snacks, friendly service and, among other things, a comfortable atmosphere where well-to-do people could freely voice opinions on an array of conversational topics.

Talking points the first year may have included Elvis’s impulsive purchase of a monstrous mansion in Memphis, Tenn., the questioning and probable hunches regarding the whereabouts of Jimmy Hoffa, and, of course, the bellowing frustrations over a dismal Alabama football season that saw the Crimson Tide finish 11th overall in the SEC with a record of 1-7-1.

As the months turned into years and years into decades, life’s inevitable wheel of motion brought forth new generations that would be responsible for major changes on both a local and state level. Overhauls and reconstruction throughout Marengo County transformed many landscapes, along with the people who occupied them.

This would not be the case for those with a 36745 zip code, however, as following generations learned to embrace and respect their unique community. The burden lay not with them as they had all the basic essentials needed to survive, but, instead it was people presented with ridiculous amounts of options who carried the weight of confusion and dilemma.

Everything changed for residents on Sept. 30, 2012. For the first time in over a half a century, Jefferson Country Store’s doors were locked to the public with no indication of when, if ever, they would be opened back up.

Speculation that the post office might soon follow suit was almost too much to bear for the locals. They stayed positive as numerous town hall meetings were held to discuss the matter. Their valiant efforts fell short as the post office was officially shut down not even seven months later.

The charm that is Jefferson is much more than a place to buy groceries or stamps. The lure and charisma of the community and its residents can’t be shut down like a failing business. It can, however, modify in major detail, how and where future generations shift geographically. After all, more choices are better than no choices, and no amount of pride can alleviate hunger or help pay the electric bill.

Desperately hoping to hold true to their unique reputation, the people of Jefferson needed a do-over, a reboot if you will, from someone entrenched in all things community related: a dynamic duo not afraid to work outside the box would be even better.

They got exactly that in Betsy Compton and Tony Luker.

Although both Betsy and Tony are not reluctant about sharing their lack of business experience, they are both well equipped with the intangibles needed to make a small business thrive.

Compton is the granddaughter of Hayward Compton, the original owner/operator of the store, and has lived within walking distance of the family business her entire life. Her knowledge of history within the community and its residents is immeasurable as well as indispensable. She exudes confidence when talking details, business or community related, and is never hesitant in her responses. She is a graduate of the University of West Alabama where she presently works full-time in the department of Public Relations.

Luker serves as the engineer of everyday tasks. His ability to work efficiently on both business and social aspects simultaneously is as unique as the community to which he caters. Luker has worked as a sales distributor, most recently employed by the All State Beverage Company. This has surely given Luker a distinct perspective on many different aspects relative to running a successful business. Never afraid to test out new ideas, Luker brings a bit of a wild-card factor into play. This promises for some nifty ideas as Luker has already proven his effectiveness in creatively thinking outside the box.

After a couple of months of unsuccessful attempts at selling or leasing the old store, Compton and Luker started to wonder if now would be as good a time as any to try and re-launch the Jefferson Country Store themselves.

“I always had it in the back of my mind that I might want to make an attempt of running things myself,” Compton said. “Me and Tony had numerous discussions about it, but we seemed to end up at the same place before we finally realized that there was never going to be a perfect time.”

Compton went on to say that the final decision came in August during a family lunch at her father’s house. “We all collectively kind of decided that this was the best move regarding the interests of everyone involved. From there, things just took off,” she said. “It would have never happened if not for the support system around me.”

At first listen, the support system that Compton so frequently and passionately talks about can easily be interpreted as different family members who have occupied the position as store manager; after all, she is third generation. But hearing her talk more and more, it becomes clear that the support system, and family for that matter she speaks so highly of, extends beyond her blood relatives and into the community itself.

“We’re not looking to get rich,” Compton said in response to what it means to her for the newly-opened business to be deemed successful. “Community development project, keeping the community together, that’s our goal.”

Well, with a little over a month in the books, it seems as though Compton and Luker are exceeding their own expectations. The response has been positive across the board, evident by both locals and from folks passing through. All seem quick to compliment Luker on the progress he and Compton have made in such a short period of time.

“We’re just getting started,” Luker said with a smile as he held up the newly designed T-shirts for the store. “You can’t ever know until you try it, and that’s what we’re about here.”

The shirts are personally designed by Luker. The first three dozen were sold before the end of the first month, and according to Compton, the second batch is going even quicker. If you haven’t gotten your own, don’t worry, Luker promises to expand in everything from logo to color before his time at Jefferson Country Store is up.

Also, Compton is working diligently to bring postal and mail services back to the people of Jefferson. She has been in contact with a representative from the postal service and seems optimistic so far. Compton says the next step will hopefully be to make an appointment with a state representative from the postal service in the not-to-distant future. Once the representative can evaluate and calculate accommodation rights, a clearer picture as well as a time frame for redeeming these services can be announced.

In the meantime, Compton and Luker will continue bringing everything from general goods to a daily lunch menu that includes hamburgers, hot dogs and various hot sandwiches to the people of Jefferson.

For more information, check out the facebook page at Facebook.com/JeffersonStore.