MAXWELL, Iowa — Logsdon's Grocery, the only grocery store in Maxwell, about 15 miles south of Nevada, closed down Saturday after six decades of service.
With the closure, residents will have to travel to Nevada to reach the next closest full grocery store, or visit Maxwell's Dollar General.
Jay Logsdon who has owned and operated Logsdon's Grocery for decades with his brother, told Local 5 News on Saturday it was a hard decision to close, but his age has made it difficult to run the store. Also, Logsdon's business license is expiring in July.
"They're going to miss this place," said former Logsdon's employee and longtime friend, Thom Summitt. "I mean, it's been a staple for years. It's going to be hard not to be able to come back."
On Saturday, former employees, friends and family members spent the day at Logsdon's Grocery to celebrate owner Jay's last day of work before his retirement.
"It's real emotional. They come in and we see 'em. Sometimes we cry and sometimes we laugh. Then by the time we're done, we're crying and laughing again when they leave. So it's hard," owner Jay Logsdon said.
Looking into the future, Logsdon said he wanted to be able to spend more time with his grandchildren and at their athletic events. He also joked that he hasn't ruled out applying for a part-time job bagging groceries at a Fareway or Hy-Vee.