It started with newlyweds taking a leap of faith. The year was 1961, and Lester and Anne Scaff had recently purchased a small market on the north side of US 41 in Lake City from J.R. Tison, who was recently elected as the mayor of the small Southern town. Little did the young couple know that their lives and their young business were about to grow into a life of happiness.
As the years went on, they purchased a few more stores, and their knowledge grew as each day presented new challenges. With the introduction of gas pumps, their small business quickly grew into a small group of convenience stores. As competition picked up, so did the Scaff’s and quickly became the area’s first choice for quality gasoline and merchandise, all served up with the best in customer service.
Newlyweds Lester and Anne Scaff in front of their first store, circa 1961.
The 1980’s came and went, and the Scaff’s continued to grow. They
expanded into additional surrounding counties and quickly became a
leading employer in the counties they served. Their commitment to
serving the communities they belonged to became evident with many
fundraising activities and charitable contributions to the area.
Today
S&S Food Stores is the number one choice for North Central
Florida’s convenience store needs. Quality gasoline, a large selection
of merchandise, and still the best customer service, all keep customers
saying, “Yes” to S&S. The company now owns 44 convenience stores and
3 Scaff’s Markets, all serving an 8 county area.
And yes, Lester
and Anne Scaff still look over the daily operations from the corporate
office with the same careful and guiding hands that crafted the small
one store operation to the people oriented, customer friendly business
that we are today. We thank you for your business over these 50 plus
years.
Since 1961, S&S Food Stores has worked endlessly to
bring the very best in convenience to our customers. We have been voted
“Best of the Best” Convenience Store in North Central Florida by the
readers of the Lake City Reporter every year since 1996. We truly
believe, “People Make it Happen,” and hope you will stop by and visit
one of our many locations. S&S Food Stores offer quality name brand
gasoline, Shell & B.P., to ensure that we bring the best for your
vehicle.
Another division of Scaff’s Inc. is Scaff’s Market.
Scaff’s Markets are small supermarkets and 1 superette specializing in
fresh produce and full service meat markets. Finally many S&S Stores
offer Food Service (subs, chicken, & home cooked meals) under the
names of Lester’s & Anne’s Kitchen.
S&S Food Stores
prides itself on being good Community Neighbors. S&S Food Stores
supports many school projects in the counties we serve. If there is a
community event, chances are S&S Food Stores contributed in some
form or fashion.
S&S Food Stores is involved in the Gateway
Pro Rodeo, The Suwannee River Jam, Columbia County Fair, and many more.
Each April, S&S Food Stores host the S&S Charities Golf
Tournament to benefit the Florida Gateway College, Take Stock in
Children and many other organizations. (Columbia County Senior Services,
Haven Hospice, Christian Service Center etc.) S&S Team Members have
been raising money for Children’s Miracle Network/Shands Hospital since
1985 and are close to the million-dollar mark. For 2010 alone team
members raised over $70,735.
S&S Thanks you for making our 50th Anniversary truly spectacular!
