burrowsA well-known local business celebrated their centennial over the weekend.

Burrows Country Store and Garden Centre has been operating in North Bay since 1915,  all by the Burrows family.

Harvey Burrows started a small grocery and animal feed store, which eventually grew into the store we know now, located on 3rd and Cassells.

Harvey’s granddaughter Debbie Hudson now co-owns with her husband Bob.

Debbie says they’ve lasted so long because of their staff. She says “We have an amazing staff; we have always had fantastic people working for us. I think because we are a small business you tend to become very close with your staff and you rely on each other.”

Bob echoes that statement and says it truly has been a family business.

He says “I know Harvey has had his son Jack working for him, they’ve had nieces and nephews.”

Debbie Hudson says their loyal customers have allowed them to stay relevant in the age of big box stores.

As well, she was asked about her late father Jack and how he would feel about reaching this milestone.

She says “I think he would just be thrilled to see the same people coming back. People would go into that office and talk to him all the time, and not necessarily about gardening or anything to do with the store.”

Written by: matthew.sookram@northbayradio.rogers.com