THUNDER BAY — "Everything has an expiry date," says Cathy Jones, co-owner of Tim's Meat, Deli & Grocery,
Jones was explaining her and her husband's decision to retire after operating a neighbourhood store on Thunder Bay's north side for almost 30 years.
The couple will close the doors of their shop, located at the corner of John Street and Empress Avenue, on Sept. 8, 2023.
"I'm just really looking forward to getting my life back on track with my family, friends and grandchildren," Jones said in an interview Wednesday.
Operating a family-owned store is labour-intensive, and gets even more challenging when it's hard to find staff.
"We're just getting worn-out and tired," said Tim Jones. "Trying to get some help in here is pretty tough,eh? I don't want to do it by myself anymore. It's just a lot of work."
He began his career at the age of 10, over 50 years ago, learning how to cut meat in a butcher shop in the tiny community of Birr, near London, Ontario.
From there he moved to an IGA in the TIllsonburg area, followed by stints as a foreman at Norwich Packers and at an A&P in Toronto, where he was the meat manager.
"I'd been thinking about starting my own business for quite a long time, since I was a little kid. That was in the early 70s," Jones said.
The couple first opened their own shop in the 1990s before moving to their present location three blocks away.
They operated seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., but were forced to cut back to five days a week several years ago for lack of staff.
For awhile, it looked as if they'd be able to transition the store to a new operator, but Jones said the deal fell through two weeks ago when the prospective buyer, who'd already put down a deposit, pulled out.
"Anybody can learn the business. Just somebody who's willing to put time into it, and work a bit. That's all it takes...and we can train anybody to do anything."
Since he and his wife announced their closure plan Tuesday – which happened to be their 36th wedding anniversary – dozens of long-time customers have reached out to extend best wishes for the next phase of their lives.
But Cathy Jones said people are also sorry the store is going to close.
"It's phenomenal. I just cannot believe the outpouring. I had to turn my phone off last night...People are very sad that we're leaving. They're going to miss us. They say it's going to be a real hardship to Thunder Bay. But you know what? Everything has an expiry date."
She said the relationships built with customers over the years show why neighbourhood grocery stores still have a role to play.
"Absolutely. This town is very supportive of local businesses. They like the camaraderie that comes with coming in and having a little chat. A lot of the comments that came through last night were that they they're going to miss the camaraderie you don't get in the chain stores."
Jones said she and her husband are grateful for the loyalty of their customers for so many years.
