Page 29 - Rockin the Rail

The long-reaching benefits of buying local are catching TOP: David, Debbie and Kevin Krampitz.
on across the country. The Krampitz family both appreci- BOTTOM: A meat department employee helps a customer load goods in her
ates local shoppers, and they also have been sourcing the shopping cart.
store’s produce and meat mostly locally since its doors
opened. SUMMER 2016 29

Kevin said the majority of their meat, poultry and fish
products come from local suppliers like Brenham
Wholesale of Brenham and M-G Farm Service of Weimar.
They also source some products from C&S Wholesale
Grocers from the east coast, formerly Houston-based
Grocer’s Supply.

Locals appreciate the homemade items like their chick-
en salad and chocolate chip cookies.

Kevin said the current homemade items are a few of the
dishes they used to offer in their full-service deli and steam
table at the previous location in the shopping center where
Tractor Supply now resides.

“We still provide homemade items like the various sal-
ads, rotisserie chicken and also party trays for all occa-
sions,” Kevin said.

Bill’s Country Market first opened in downtown Sealy,
but moved several times before landing at its current loca-
tion back in downtown 10 years ago this coming
September.

“Downtown is kind of near and dear to our hearts
because that’s where we got our start. We hoped it would
help start the process of revitalizing downtown as well,”
Kevin said. “We want to see good things happen down-
town and the more businesses that are down here, the
better for all of us. Hopefully we’ll start seeing more of that
happening.”

Bill Krampitz opened the store during the Great
Depression amidst national economic hardships that most
of us have never faced. As Kevin said, there have been
good times and bad times throughout the life of the store.

Currently, Bill’s faces the challenges of natural growth.
Seated at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Highway 36,
Sealy is poised to grow. However, maintaining the small
town charm, which Bill’s is a part of, is also a priority to
Sealy citizens.

“There are not many single-store independent retailers
like us left,” Kevin said. “It’s become a thing of the past. It’s
unfortunate, but it’s part of progress. We have always
worked to find a niche to survive in the face of progress
and plan to be open for many years to come.”

The retail business is not an easy one. Open seven days
a week, Bill’s keeps the Krampitz family busy, but it’s clear-
ly a labor of love.

“It’s in my blood. I do enjoy what I do and the people
who I work with. Bill’s is part of Sealy’s heritage and cul-
ture,” Kevin said.

Bill’s Country Market is located in downtown Sealy at
333 Fowlkes Street.

ROCKIN’ THE RAIL