Page 27 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2020- Lubbock Online Magazine

HONORING SMALL BUSINESSES

The Shallowater location is a community. For example, they have long hours stocking the shelves and
traditional grocery store with a helped many customers by delivering continuously cleaning with bleach
welcoming hometown atmosphere. groceries to shut-ins, donating water on all counters, grocery carts,
Fresh produce, meat, as well as a products to support local fundraisers, doors and other surfaces.
great variety of other foodstuffs and and even transporting heavy
household supplies are available. The watermelons for elderly patrons. What does the future hold for 4
convenience store has fewer groceries Corners Mart? That remains to be
but sells gas and delicious food at their All members of the Hendrix family seen. Laura credits her husband of 38
deli, such as burgers, burritos, egg have been involved in the business years stating: “Neal has worked hard
rolls, and barbecue sandwiches. The in some capacity. Each child (all now to make the business successful so
hamburger is especially popular, as married) possesses unique skills that our family could survive some
one online review claims: “Great deli acquired through discipline and tough times.” Laura and her family
and polite staff. They’ve got cooked-to- independent thinking gleaned from are experiencing tough times once
order burgers that are to die for.” One their homeschool education. Each again, as she was recently diagnosed
farmer would often drive his tractor has learned the meaning of hard with breast cancer. Currently
there for the delicious hamburger! work, perseverance, responsibility, receiving treatment, she would greatly
and gratefulness. They have stocked appreciate prayers on her behalf.
Not surprisingly, owning and shelves, waited on customers, ordered
operating a small business has many products, attended training for TABC And now, even though road
challenges. However, both stores and the health department, repaired construction has been underway
have been around for so long that equipment, mopped floors, cleaned once again on West 19th and FM 179
loyal customers keep coming back bathrooms, mowed, and picked up since March ’19, I think a “to-die-for”
because of the owners’ reputation trash in the parking lot. cheeseburger would hit the spot for
of dependability, friendliness, and supper! Or would I like to try the
honesty. Naturally, big discounts The COVID-19 pandemic naturally barbecue sandwich this time? Believe
offered by large box stores are posed additional challenges. Many me, a little road inconvenience is well
impossible for 4 Corners Mart. They customers from all over the area worth it!
have maintained mid-range prices and shopped at their
are extremely grateful to have been stores rather
able to provide a decent living for their than driving to
family. Lubbock’s larger
ones. Suddenly,
When asked about the reasons for their the stores were
success, Laura responded: swamped. While
“Godly stewardship and principles. the megastores were
We have lived frugally. It is hard. unable to meet the
Everything from grocery and gasoline demands for items
deliveries, taxes, and often unexpected such as flour and
expenses are all paid on receipt. toilet paper, the
We have no debt. When you’re self- two small-town
employed, you must make ends meet.” stores were ready.
They ordered
Blessed as they have been, Neal and extra merchandise
Laura have, in turn, blessed their and worked

Lubbock Senior Link 27