Issac and Tony Allen pictured in the famous meat dept at Allen’s Grocery
KTLO, Classic Hits, and The Boot News is continuing to revisit 2024’s most viewed and talked-about stories, presented in no particular order. Some will highlight uplifting, feel-good moments, while others may reflect more serious or somber events.
The eighth story on our list was published on September 20, when Allen’s Grocery celebrated 70 years in Summit.
In 1953 when Gene and Ivon Allen opened a grocery store with $500 in inventory and the dream to sell $100 a day little did they know they were building a legacy that would one day span 4 generations. This week Allen’s Grocery celebrates 70 years serving their customers at the intersection of HWY 202 and HWY 14 N in Summit.
Old Newspaper Clipping shows interior of the original store with then owner Gene Allen
In an age where the grocery business has mainly turned over to big corporations current owners Tony and Shelly Allen say staying community focused, faith based and hardworking is how they have survived.
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In the early days Allen’s built their loyal customer base by hosting Friday fight nights on television.
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Many locals will remember Charles and Linda Allen’s time running day to day operations after Gene and Ivon. Tony came on full time in 1986 after growing up in the store to run the famous meat department that to this day draws in customers from over 50 miles away. Tony says old time wisdom keeps the department thriving.
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Listeners of KTLO AM and KCTT 101.7 FM have tuned in to the Trading Post weekly for Tony’s meat specials for over 30 years; a tradition that goes back to when Glen Adams of Yellville owned the original KCTT station.
Allen’s today at the intersection of HWY 202 and HWY 14N in Summit
These days Allen’s boasts 25 employees with a new generation beginning to take on the family business with Tony and Shelly’s sons, Issac and Nick, now working along side their father. Issac says he wouldn’t have it any other way.
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The store will be celebrating its 70 year anniversary this week beginning Thursday through Saturday with specials featuring the numbers 70 and 1953 as well as various giveaways. On Saturday night a street dance will be held across from the store with Buckshot performing. The public is invited to attend as the family plans to celebrate the milestone with the community that has sustained them through all these years.
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