HUNTSVILLE – Local blues legend Microwave Dave provided the entertainment, employees cut cake and boxes of Terry’s Pizza played the lead role of a buffet laid out on folding tables on the sidewalk outside a Five Points landmark on a windy, misty gray afternoon.
There was even a drizzle of rain, but that didn’t stop a crowd from gathering at the corner of Andrew Jackson Way and Pratt Avenue to celebrate the store’s 80th birthday.
To say Star Super Market is a northeast Huntsville icon is an understatement. Most folks drop “Super” when talking of the grocery/pharmacy, while many locals and longtime city residents simply call it “Star.’’ Enough said for the place that established a reputation for premier meats long before owner and pharmacist Darden Heritage bought the rights to Terry’s Pizza, another Huntsville favorite that had closed its locations.
As Microwave Dave, cake, pizza and other treats enchanted and warmed the crowd, Heritage smiled and greeted customers who came to celebrate. At some point, historical societies and such will no doubt begin offering to put the store on registries and offer plaques and such.
“That’s a good point, because I think it would qualify,” Heritage told 256 Today. “I don’t know what the qualifying criteria is for that, but they make you buy that sign. I would imagine maybe when when we turn a hundred.”
Loyal customers would no doubt cover any cost if need be.
“I want to put the emphasis where it ought to be, and that’s with great customers and great employees,” said Wade Russell, son of the original owner who sold Star Market to Heritage in 2000. “This store has just benefitted from wonderful people who work here, and they’ve allowed us to be here this long.”
Tommy Battle, the ubiquitous Huntsville mayor, stopped by Thursday and declared it Star Market Day.
When the store opened in 1944, the Allies liberated Italy in World War II, the film noir classic “Double Indemnity” was in theaters for 29 cents per ticket, gas was 21 cents per gallon and crooner Bing Crosby was rolling out hits.
The meat counter remains a legendary calling card, though Terry’s Pizza raised the stakes. The pharmacy is bustling daily and other options have been added over the years. And Star is certainly not done evolving.
Trent McLemore, who became Heritage’s right-hand man after the retirement of Mark Tow, has ideas.
“He wants to grow the pharmacy,” Heritage said of the 30-something McLemore, before adding with a smile, “He’s younger than me.”
Meanwhile, Star Super Market and Star Discount Pharmacy, which is located throughout Madison County these days, will no doubt continue to thrive in one of Huntsville’s oldest neighborhoods.
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