Running a mountain town's only grocery store

Darlene and Mark, a married couple, have owned and operated the Silverton Grocery Store for 34 years. It has been the town's sole grocery store since 2000.

Both are lifelong Silverton residents. When the mining industry shut down in the 1980s, Mark lost his job. The town’s population shrank from 900 year-round residents to about 600 as the jobs dried up. The Watsons were among those who left.

But Silverton called them back. Determined to make a living without relying on mining, Darlene had an idea: “Why don’t we open a grocery store?”

In 1989, they opened their first grocery store at a different location on Greene Street, Silverton’s main thoroughfare. Later, when the owner of Greene Street Grocery decided to sell, Darlene and Mark seized the opportunity, rebranding it as the Silverton Grocery Store.

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[OffMyPlanetNow]

Textbook definition of a mom and pop store

[bowencoates]

I grew up in Silverton. I will always remember the times where I'd leave my house on empire Street in a blizzard to go get stuff from the grocery store. Mark and Darlene made a huge impact on my life and I couldn't be more grateful.

[juniordelgiorno]

Huge respect to these owners, they’re truly making a positive impact on their community and do so humbly.

[carlosgarcia]

They literally are keeping this little town fed...

Absolutely noble.. total respect to this couple

[bababooey]

Finally a documentary style video without obnoxious music blaring in the background trying to make it into a thriller movie

[SimonLloydGuitar]

Im an Englishman and back in the 90s when i was young, i spent a year backpacking across this incredible country on the most amazing adventure of my life.
Every now and again I would stumble across a wonderful town like this with the most beautiful, welcoming people. THIS is the true beating heart of America.
With love from a Limey to a Yank.

[johnkennedy]

Marc and Darlene Watson make this world a better place… Thank you

[erronwest]

We live in Montrose and frequently visit Silverton to explore and appreciate its beauty. We make it a point to stop at this grocery every single time. Nothing feels better than supporting local and feeling cared for by a business.

[call]

The grocery store is the heart of the community. Feeding every family in need.

[danielgaebel]

Real American heroes here, simple folks serving their communities and making the world a little brighter.

[esgee]

as a regular out-of-state visitor to silverton, this store has been a lifesaver more than once. thanks to darlene and mark for keeping this going and trying to find a seller who will keep their "general store" ethos going. many thanks.

[TheMalayLinguist]

I love people like this. Humble yet important to their community.

[cl]

It's not easy living out there. These little towns are beautiful but tough. Takes special people to keep them running.

[ajswideexplore]

I am working in a small store in a small town in Sweden and this is just such a joy to see. We have the same kind of community band and our store is vital to a lot of people. I am so glad I found this video. I hope the store continues to be local and that someone who really cares for the community takes it over

[tpatrickl]

Old school Colorado. Down to earth people. True friends. Community. My family has been in Colorado for 56+ years. I miss this part of it.

[carrelarce]

Their story is beautiful. Thank you for putting too much effort to make the town alive and full.

[kenvandevoort]

I grew up in my uncle's independent grocery store. He was the last of 13 in our town until the chains came in. It is hard for independent stores to find suppliers. The wholesale warehouses for the independents have disappeared. I love Silverton. I was last there in 1983 and I have a tremendous respect for their history.

[yousnoozeyouloze]

I've been there! It was very clear this place is trying to provide everything the community and travelers would need, and not just trying to make a profit in the same way corporate owners would. It was a rare and memorable experience. Thanks!

[LSxUnlimited]

We love Silverton groceries! Charlie is the best, treats us like family and such a nice lady! Many blessings towards the SG Crew!

[timothywalker]

This couple is what a small business is. Much respect 😊