by Theresa Garee

K&M Fruit Market, known as the Little Market by some, doesn’t have a Facebook page and it doesn’t have a website but what it does have is 50 years of community support.

K&M stands for Kelly and Murphy and the physical location of the market has changed a few times. Today its on Andy Groom Boulevard in Obetz. Purchased in 1975 by Joe Groom Jr, the store is operated by his two sons, Joe and Kevin Groom. The street is named after their brother Andy who played football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Customers who frequent the location say the prices are cheaper than any other nearby market location, the next closest being on Parsons Avenue or in Groveport. The Grooms say the market stands out because customer service is number one in the store.

“I’ve always felt welcomed and everyone who works there is also so helpful,” customer Erin Freels said, she moved into the area five years ago.

While some customers are new, others have been shopping at K&M Fruit Market their whole life.

“I’ve been an Obetz resident all my life, I’ve been going since I could walk. As a kid, I use to ride my bike up there with $5 and leave with sub, chips and an Arizona. Almost every day, all summer long. Sometimes, I’d just go up there to talk to everyone,” said customer Bryan Horner of his 28 years shopping at K&M Fruit Market.

Joe and Kevin said their biggest goal as business owners is community.

“Absolutely the patriarch of our community businesses. I, without a doubt, feel like Obetz would not be the same community if Kev and Joe weren’t still running the family store,” customer Amber Kersey said, “Kev has mentored and instilled great values into many young men that have worked there, including my own son.”

For three generations the market has been a staple in the community and their goal is to treat each customer like family.

“What I love is that we all went to Hamilton, they know my family and I know theirs,” customer Aunalie Parsons said, “My favorite memory is when my boys were little they would be so afraid of the Halloween decorations and would stand at the front door and cry.”

Parsons has moved out of Obetz but still makes the drive for the lunch meats.

A large part of Kevin and Joe’s philosophy is giving back. They’ve donated to local resident funerals and churches.

“K&M also gives egg, milk, and bread voucher for the Community Center to put in food pantry boxes,” customer Heather Coffenberry said.

The next large project for the K&M team is with the Habitat for Humanity. They were able to raise $3,000 in the store in order to provide a playhouse for a local Obetz family. The plan is to help build the playhouse later this fall.