Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rehkopf's buys Sextons

Rehkopfs Family Foods has purchased Sexton Foods, Prescotts only grocery store. The transfer took place at the end of the day, Dec. 28.

Ron Rehkopf was at the store the morning of Dec. 29 and said customers will see some changes. One of those will be the signs, though Rehkopf said the store will continue to operate as Sextons until the new signs arrive - about three weeks.

Were going to update the store with a new market set, Rehkopf said.

He said some additional changes will be happening, including the possibility of expanding the stores deli.

Were excited about this store, Rehkopf said. We jumped at the opportunity to come into town. We like small towns and well partner with the community.

Rehkopf said the staff will remain in place and the one new face will be the stores manager. Bill Barker from Bismarck said he is excited about the opportunity to work in Prescott and to be affiliated with Rehkopfs.

Larry McKamie, owner of Sextons, confirmed the sale Dec. 28 - the last day of business for McKamie. McKamie said he has owned Sextons for just more than two and a half years.

Ive poured all the money into this that I can. McKamie said early Thursday.

McKamie said the deal includes his contracts and the new owners will be able to continue operating even before their own licenses and contracts are in force. McKamie said he has been told that the majority store staff will remain in place. He said he hasnt yet decided what hell do next, but said those plans dont include leaving Prescott.

Rehkopfs main offices are located in Texarkana, Texas. The company owns and manages several grocery stores, including one in Gurdon.

Several area officials cited the need for a grocery store, and said they regretted that McKamie felt he had to sell.

I hate to see a local owner leave, said Prescott City Councilman Larry Baker. I hate to see Larry leave. Hes a good guy.

City council member-elect Elaine Williams said she hopes to see the community and city support the new owners.

I really think - and I hope - that we will do everything possible, whatever that might be, to keep what we already have and to keep the people who are here in business, Williams said.

Robert Loe, another member of the council, said the grocery store is a convenience for those who want to shop locally and a necessity for those who have limited travel options.

Loe also cited the need for amenities - such as a grocery store - when attempting to attract businesses and industries to settle locally.

We need every advantage we can get at this time, Loe said. I see a grocery store as an advantage.

Council members also cited the fact that McKamie has traditionally been involved in the local community, and say that will be missed.

My concern is that weve just got to keep it open, said Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor. Im pleased that someone else is going to take it over. Of course, I like Larry. Hes contributed a lot to this community.

Rehkopf said he hopes the community is pleased with the store under his ownership.

I just ask that the community give us time to get our changes in place, he said. I just ask for their support.