A venerable institution in Grandview has closed forever. Rifes Market, a corner grocery, was founded in 1936 and had been run by members of the same family ever since. The market, at the corner of West Fifth and Grandview, was especially known for its produce and meats. But longtime customers also valued the cordial atmosphere. Owner Mary Kay Rife, great granddaughter of the grocerys founder, says patrons enjoyed the markets personal touch. The attention to detail, the personal contact, we know the majority of our customers by names. Were the kind of store that used to be in every neighborhood and were just part of a dying breed, Rife says.
The final day's atmosphere in fact was like a wake for an old friend. Rife gave customer Roxie Reeb a hug and a kiss. Take care. Nice knowing you. I wish you the best, Reeb told Rife. Betty Woods has stopped by Rifes every day for years. They really enjoyed me and I enjoyed them cause theyre like my family. Theyre just so sweet and kind, Woods says. A crowd gathered just after noon on Friday, the last day of business. Lots of people coming in to say hello and goodbye and lots of pictures, lots of tears, Rife says. As the clock ticked closer to closing time Mary Kay Rife wished aloud for a quiet end to 78 years in business. I think it needs to be private and personal amongst myself and our employees and our customers, Rife says. The doors closed for good at 6 p.m. Friday.