This is an amazing opportunity to own a well-established, family-owned business and a piece of history. The Ward Grocery Store has been going strong since 1952 with the Ward family running successful businesses in Hamlin County since 1890. Being in business for 70 years and growing larger every year, they have a well-established customer base and several accounts with local businesses in the area. It’s a one stop shop with everything you need. Full service, fully stocked grocery department, fresh produce, dairy & meat department, personal and household goods, large selections of liquor and soft drinks, card and gifts, camping and fishing goods, pet supplies and more. 2 large walk in coolers and 1 large walk-in freezer. Large warehouse area for back stock, meat cutting area. Tons of updates including compressors, coolers, updated POS systems. A website is included for patrons to order online. Call today for a full list of improvements and services they offer.
The Ward family has owned and operated businesses in Hamlin County since 1890.
Ward’s Shopping Center became an established business in Estelline in 1952 by Robert Ward, Shon’s father. The first building occupied by Ward’s Shopping Center was located across the street, which is now the “Red Carpet” restaurant. In 1957, Robert Ward expanded his inventory and moved to our current location, one block south, to 102 Main Street, Estelline. This year, we have been in business for 70 years!
Shon Ward, current owner and son, has helped at the store since he was a child, but began working with his father in the meat department in 1972. Shon learned about the business, also, from his mother, Jackie, who was the business manager at the store from the start.
Robert Ward retired in 1987 when Shon Ward took full ownership of Ward’s Shopping Center. Ward’s Shopping Center has always offered groceries, fresh meat and produce, and in 2019 an on/off sale beer and liquor license was purchased for a liquor department, and a fishing department was placed at the front of the store. In 2020, a website was created for requesting grocery orders for delivery or pick up, and still utilized by some customers today.
Ward’s Shopping Center has a well-established customer base, many loyal to shopping locally. The spring and summer brings seasonal customers, too, residing at the nearby lake communities. Our store often provides groceries to events, activities, and has several accounts with customers and businesses in the area.