KARNAK (WSIL) -- Pulaski County is one step closer to becoming what's called a "food desert." A family business in Karnak is getting ready to close up shop.
"This is not just a business…it's part of my home…I don't know if I can tell you how much it means to me," said Wilson's grocery store and Our Place restaurant owner Channie Anderson.
Right in the middle of Karnak is the town's only grocery store and restaurant.
"My grandfather started it in back in 1930 and then my mom and dad they run it for 37 years and my husband and I bought it 2000 and we've been here for 21 years," said Anderson.
But due to new competition and a struggling economy, Wilson's grocery store and Our Place restaurant is closing.
"In a small town like this, where everybody knows everybody, we're more like family than we are friends," said Anderson.
Frequent customers say they're not happy about the closure.
"It's very sad, but I can see it both ways. Channie and Brent have worked long and hard hours, but it'll be a change for the public," said Virginia George.
Now they'll have to find other grocery stores to do their shopping.
"Metropolis, Paducah, I go to Cape to the doctor a lot and so we'll do some shopping there.. we'll just pick up as we go," said Kay Tapley.
Anderson says she empathizes with other small businesses that are struggling.
"It's hard to do your job correctly with all these regulations and stuff like that and the people don't understand," she said.
But she appreciates the community's support.
"It's going to be just as hard for me to leave this place as it is for the people who's going to miss it…and just don't think for one minute that I won't miss them, because I will," she said.
Our Place restaurant closes May 29th and Wilson's Grocery Store closes May 30th.
