More than 60 years ago, the convenience of a having a local store within walking distance brought people to Fernwood Grocery.
“This was like the Walmart of Fernwood before there were so many vehicles,” owner Terry Pigott said.
In the present day, it’s the smoking that keeps them coming.
“We’ve kept the smoked meat part of the business. That’s what we’re known for,” Pigott said. “A lot of stores sell things that you need to show an ID for. I should ask about cholesterol.”
Smoked pork sausage is the big seller, he said, but ribs, pork loins and whole chickens are also popular products.
There’s not a lot of beef on the sales menu, but brisket is available.
During the holidays, the store also takes orders for smoked turkeys and hams.
“We pretty much smoke everything but dope,” Pigott said.
He noted that a lot of small, community groceries have gone away over the years as people have gained access to larger stores through more ability to drive to them.
‘Times have changed, but the mom-and-pops haven’t totally faded out,” Pigott said. “We survive by smoking.”
He noted that workers from nearby plants come in for lunches, such as burgers and the store’s popular sausage dogs, as well as snacks for breaks and maybe the occasional check cashing.
“We have good employees and a good customer base,” Pigott said. “I call Fernwood the heartbeat of Pike County, right in the middle of the county. With all the plants around here, if Fernwood thrives, Pike County will continue to thrive.”
The store, at 2036 Highway 51, is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
