A ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning, September 30, to commemorate the occasion of a renovation of the Brookshire’s Grocery Store on Austin Avenue in Brownwood.  The ribbon cutting took place in front of a 13 foot tall motorized grocery cart (shown in photo).

Dallas Huston offered a prayer of blessing over the store and employees to open the ceremony.

Howard Payne University, represented by Dr. Dale Meinecke, Vice-President for Development, presented Brad Brookshire, Chief Executive Officer, with a plaque of appreciation.  Howard Payne University recently received a gift of $25,000 from Brookshire Grocery Company to establish the Brookshire’s Scholarship at HPU. The scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis to eligible HPU students.

Among local dignitaries speaking was Brownwood Mayor, Stephen Haynes.

“When we’re talking about what we want to achieve at the City, our primary goal is always good jobs and good people.  When we see a company that comes and puts their money back into a facility and reinvests in our community, we know if they’re taking care of their store, they’re taking care of their people,” Haynes said.

Brookshire’s was founded in September 1928 by Wood Brookshire in a small store on the courthouse square in downtown Tyler, Texas.

Brookshire Grocery Co. is still family-owned with members of the third-and fourth-generation leading the Company.  Brad Brookeshire spoke on behalf of the company.

“I’m a part-time resident of Brownwood, I’ve had a ranch here for 25 years so I’ve been in this store many, many times.  This is amazing.  The store looks great.  I’m very proud of what our team has done throughout the store, the décor, the floors, equipment.  It makes me very proud of this store,” Brookshire said.

Brookshire’s has operated in Brownwood for 19 years having purchased the store from Winn-Dixie.

The new store director for Brownwood Brookshire’s is Don McClean arriving less than two weeks ago.  He has also served as store director in Cisco and Eastland.

“I am excited to be here.  This is a great opportunity for me and my family. I’m looking very forward to getting involved in the community of Brownwood,” McClean said.

According to the Brookshire’s website, today, the company has grown to include more than 180 stores – operating under the brands of Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Spring Market and FRESH by Brookshire’s.