Stewart's Market offers local produce on Anastasia Island

At about 1 p.m. every day, a shaggy-haired Luther Stewart IV starts his work day at his family's business, Stewart's Market.

It is the 18-year-old's job to run the register and keep watch over the store, picking up where his father left off that morning.

"It's not too bad," he said.

For now, his tasks range from daily inventory checks to store upkeep, but he has high hopes of one day owning the business his father currently presides over.

Tiki hut on the boulevard

For over 30 years, Stewart's Market, in one form or another, has been a source of local produce for Anastasia Island residents.

Although current president, Luther Stewart III, said it's hard to say exactly when his father started the business, he does know some of the history.

"Dad's been here on the boulevard doing business forever, and this place has never been run by anyone but a Luther Stewart," he said.

While officially built in 1982, the history of Stewart's Market goes back to the late 1970s.

Stewart III remembers his father starting the market as a thatched-roofed outdoor dining area with a restaurant next door. In the 1980s, the business moved indoors.

"We've been here on the boulevard for a long time," he said.

Under the front register, he keeps a photo album containing pictures of the former Stewart's Market, its thatched roof and local people.

Mom-and-pop shop

The first time Stewart III was given the family business, he was just 18 years old.

The second time, he was 26.

The third time proved to be the charm, as his father gave him the title of president.

"I took it over, I think, when I was 32 and I've been here ever since, and hope not to put him back in the poor house," he said with a laugh.

Years ago, A&P, IGA and Pantry Pride stores were on every corner. Now, Stewart III said, it's just Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart.

"When I was growing up, these stores were in every neighborhood," he said. "Unfortunately, these stores are a dying breed."

While those stores are currently few and far between, Stewart's Market still echoes these neighborhood mom-and-pop shops.

Making the "Best of St. Augustine" list in 2013 and 2014, the market is known for its local produce and seafood.

The market sells fruits and vegetables as well as fresh seafood, poultry, pork, beef and even has its own deli. Stewart III said his prices are also a big selling point.

"That's why people shop here," he said.

He noted that he has one customer that drives all the way from Tallahassee just to buy Menorcan sausage.

For Stewart III, it's the people and the generations of loyal customers that make it all worth it.

"It's the best thing of my job watching these babies grow up, and they grow so fast," he said.

What the future holds

Stewart IV, Calista and Kandin Stewart are Stewart III's children.

When needed, they all lend a hand to the family business.

"They will all work in the store. If they see someone that needs help, they all step in and help," Stewart III said.

Stewart III also depends on his longtime employees - Karin Martinez, Jimmy Pellicer and Mark Wood - to manage the bright yellow store on Anastasia Boulevard.

Wood said he does a little of everything and likes seeing all the different people come in to shop.

"All the locals from the neighborhood, they love it," he said.

While the future has yet to unfold, Stewart III's son has an idea of what he wants to do should he ever become store president.

Stewart IV said he wants to set up a few more stores. Maybe not franchises throughout the country, but a few corner markets like his grandfather.

For now, Stewart III said the market will be just fine.

"We're just a little hole in the wall family business that we all somehow pull together and survive every week," he said.

Stewart's Market is at 311 Anastasia Blvd. For information, call 904-824-563.