Ward’s Supermarket celebrates 75 years in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — The owners of Ward’s Supermarket are celebrating a milestone as the store marks 75 years in business.

Owner Danielle Ward-Breeden said business has not slowed down despite rising prices everywhere. Items at Ward’s Supermarket are competitive with chain supermarkets, especially produce items, which they try to get from local farmers.

The store opened in 1951, started by Danielle’s great-grandfather. Bill Ward stepped in and ran Ward’s from 1953 to 1979 as an open-air fruit and vegetable stand. After that, the family built a store behind the original one.

Danielle said the most important thing is listening to their customers.

“When you can get it fresh out of their fields, either in the morning or the evening and bring it into the grocery store it doesn’t get any better than that, and I think that’s what the community looks for is, you know, come in find great deals, but most of all what sets us apart is us listening to our customers, bringing in the fresh ingredients, and if we don’t have something, we don’t ever turn anyone away we try to find whatever item they’re looking for,” Danielle said.

Danielle said she is thankful people continue to visit even though they have to compete with other stores like Publix. They will continue to try to keep prices as reasonable as possible.

The owners hope to keep getting the next generation in their family involved to stay open for many more years to come.

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