Heart of a community
story by Sally Wegert
Bryant's Pic-Pac Supermarket in Frankfort places focus on people above profit, says Danielle Meadows, a Pic-Pac employee.
Its reputation as a "family-style, community-oriented affair" sets it apart in the eyes of the community, she believes.
"It's just part of our reputation," says Alice Bryant, a Pic-Pac manager and sister of owner Danny Bryant. "If a kid comes in here hungry, he knows that we'll buy him food."
Partly because of its downtown location only steps from the King's Daughters Apartments, the grocery caters to many elderly and low-income folks. For no charge, Pic-Pac delivers groceries weekly to the homes of elderly or disabled customers who can't get to the store.
"I've always liked people, and working at Pic-Pac, there's never a shortage," says Richie Cheatham, Danny's son. "We have everybody from the governor to the mayor to just your everyday hobos and winos who come in here."
The store itself is run through the collaborative efforts of Danny, his family and a small, tightly-knit staff.
"I do everything, but I don't do it all," Danny says. "I cut meat. I stock groceries. I run the register."
Though not every member of the staff is directly related to Danny, he feels they "have been working together so long it's like they are family." Bryant has been working at the store since July 6, 1976. The Bryant family bought the store in 1998.
Jonathan Hart, a manager at Pic-Pac, whom Bryant describes as "his own kin," acknowledges the store's significance to the city of Frankfort.
"Pic-Pac is the heart of the community for a lot of people," Jonathan says.
Phillip Stanley Fortner pushes his cart through the Pic- Pac's aisles. "Even though we're small, as far as selection goes, we're better than Kroger and Walmart," says a Pic-Pac manager Jonathan Hart.
Officer Gary Gebhart looks on as Pic-Pac employee Kathy Johnson passes Linda Rose's lunch order across the deli counter. Pic-Pac's owner, Danny, calls his employees family because they have all worked together so long.
Pic-Pac owner Danny Bryant greets customer and friend Jesse Brownlee in passing in the pickle aisle. Danny makes a special effort to connect with customers and the community. He was honored as an "Outstanding Citizen" and inducted into the Frankfort Independent School Hall of Fame in 2013. "Danny will help anybody with anything," says Alice Bryant, his sister and a Pic-Pac manager. "If he's got it, he'll share it."
Pic-Pac patrons approach the deli counter to place their meal orders. Even after daily specials are gone, the deli keeps a steady supply of fried chicken and potato wedges, known among the community for being the "best in town."
Cashier Danielle Meadows helps Faith Thacker swipe her debit card. "She is one of the sweetest people I've ever met," Danielle says of Faith. Her cashier position helps her to get to know regular customers in a unique way, she says.
Some patrons of Pic-Pac show off their purchases.