Local grocery store closes after 133 years

By Abe Nelson

Published: June 30, 2008

It’s hard for the little guy to compete in this day and age with big box stores everywhere. 

Alvey's Grocery is no exception.

Today, the Alvey's will give up the store that has been in the family for 133 years.

"It's been a very sad, sad day for us," said Jennifer Alvey, who everyone calls J.J.

Founded in 1875 by Alvey's great-great-great-great grandfather, F.H. Sanders, the store had three locations over the years in the Gainesville area near Catharpin.

WI-NOT Stop bought the most recent store at 4661 Sudley Road and will remain open through the transition, said Carl Hitt who oversees the chain's 11 stores in Northern Virginia.

Alvey, who started bagging groceries in the family store at age 6, said it was hard to sell off the merchandise and see the shelves empty.

"It's time and it has to happen. Times are changing and we accept that," said the 33-year-old Alvey who ran the store with her father, Robert Alvey; mother, Pam Alvey; brother, Wynn Alvey; and sister-in-law, Sara Alvey.

D.T. Smith, who has been shopping at Alvey's for about 10 years, raved about the meats he used to get there and said he too was sad to see the Alvey's relinquish the business.

He said he just liked the store where a hand-lettered blackboard welcoming customers still hung by the cash register.

"It was a neat place to come because you got a sense of community. They knew you. You knew them," he said.

He said Alvey's hot dogs and chicken from the deli were outstanding too.

Hitt said WI-NOT Stop would keep the deli.

The Alvey's donated the last of their stock to the Manassas charity Securing Emergency Resources Through Volunteer Efforts Inc.

"That's it. No more small Mom-and-Pop's. This is the last one," J.J. Alvey said after she helped load the SERVE van.

Keith Walker can be reached at 703-368-6751.