10/21/2026
A week ago, I locked the doors of Joe’s Parkway Market for the very last time.
Dear Joe’s,
Thank you for the past 28 years.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of something so much bigger than just a grocery store.
For 28 years, I had a front-row seat to life. I watched customers go through every stage of it. I watched babies grow into toddlers, teenagers, and eventually adults, some returning with children of their own.
I’ll forever cherish the little kids standing in front of our bulk candy and novelty candy selection, trying to make that very important decision of what to choose. The sparkle in their eyes, the excitement over all the possibilities, and the parents standing patiently (or not so patiently!) while that big decision was made. Sometimes the simplest things brought the biggest smiles. Over the years, I watched some of those same kids grow up and bring their own children in. I don’t think they ever knew how much joy those little moments brought me.
I’ll miss being the place people came to for their special occasions. The kegs of b**r for weddings, birthdays, football games, or simply because the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day in Montana.
I’ll miss helping make the holidays special. The gift baskets, stocking stuffers, charcuterie boards, and, of course, our famous prime rib. Our incredible cheese selection, top-notch w**e and b**r, and tracking down that one special product a customer couldn’t find anywhere else.
And how could I forget our annual Holiday Sip & Sample! What started as an event became a yearly tradition for so many families and friends. The planning, preparation, long hours, and stress that went into pulling it all together were no small feat! But seeing everyone come through the doors, enjoying the food and drinks, visiting with friends, and kicking off the holiday season made it all worthwhile. The genuine appreciation and gratitude from our customers always seemed to overshadow the exhaustion and chaos that came before it. Looking back, those days were some of the most rewarding, and I’ll forever be grateful that we created a tradition so many looked forward to each year.
And I’ll never forget the heartfelt appreciation from customers when we were open on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whether they needed that one forgotten ingredient or something to complete their holiday meal, their genuine gratitude made being there on those holidays worth it. Those little moments meant more than they probably ever realized.
And my fountain pop regulars! Oh, how many fountain pops did we sell over the years? I still remember when they were just 50 cents. The familiar faces, the conversations, and the daily routines that became such a big part of my life.
And then there were those stairs! The stairs I ran up and down what felt like a hundred times a day to my little crow’s nest of an office. From up there, I could see and hear just about everything! It was my little perch above the chaos, where I kept an eye on the store and somehow tried to keep everything running smoothly. I even have a scar from one of the times I slipped on those stairs. Apparently, Joe’s wanted to make sure I carried a permanent reminder with me!
And to the hundreds of employees I had the privilege of working with over the years — I will miss you! Some stayed for a season, some for years, but every one of you was part of this story. We worked hard, laughed hard, and got through some pretty crazy days together. So many different personalities, friendships, and memories. I learned something from all of you, and I hope somewhere along the way I made a difference in your lives, too.
And of course, there was Judy. Her spitfire personality and tornado work ethic were one of a kind! I can still hear her walking through the door asking, “What’s the plan?” And heaven forbid she caught someone standing around — “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean!” I’m sure anyone who worked with Judy can still hear her saying those words, too. She taught me so much about hard work, determination, and family. I’m forever grateful she gave a 21-year-old college girl a chance all those years ago. ❤️
There was always something breaking, something going wrong, or another daily “fire” to put out. I certainly won’t miss all of that! But looking back, even those moments helped shape me into the person I am today. They taught me patience, perseverance, problem-solving, and how to keep going even when things felt impossible.
Joe’s was never just a grocery store. It had a way of making people feel at home. For our customers, it was a place where familiar faces greeted you, where someone knew your name, and where a quick stop could turn into a conversation with an old friend. For our employees, it was a second home. We spent countless hours together, celebrated life’s milestones, supported one another through difficult times, and became a family in our own way. There was something special about the comfort and familiarity of Joe’s. It wasn’t fancy or perfect, but it was ours. And I think that’s what made it so special.
For me, it was a constant in my life for 28 years. A place that challenged me, taught me, frustrated me, made me laugh, and gave me relationships I will carry forever.
To our customers, employees, vendors, sales reps, delivery drivers, and everyone who walked through those doors — thank you for being part of my life and the Joe’s family.
As I turned that key for the very last time, I knew I wasn’t just closing the doors to a store. I was closing a chapter that helped define so much of who I am.
After 57 years, the doors may be closed, but the memories, friendships, and stories will live on.
Thank you, Joe’s. For the lessons, the laughter, the chaos, the friendships, and the memories.
What a ride it’s been.
With love and gratitude,
Tara ♥️
