First Generation – Samuel Monroe Fite
During this time: Wright Brothers take first flight, World War I
During the early 1900’s (circa 1910), Samuel Monroe Fite opened a small general grocery store in downtown Weaver, Alabama. Three of his sons, A.M. Fite, C.S. Fite, and H.W. Fite (total of six sons and four daughters) would follow in his footsteps into the grocery business.
Second Generation – Howard Wester Fite
During this time: The Great Depression, World War II
In 1930, Howard W. Fite opened “Little” Fite Grocery Company on Noble Street in Anniston, Alabama. Beginning as a small, bare-bones store, H.W. Fite began expanding his operation at 829 Noble Street in 1935 with an in-store meat market. In 1947, H.W. Fite moved the store one block south to 723 Noble Street, under the new name “Little” Fite’s Trading Post. This store was adjacent to the Greyhound Bus station, and quickly coined the slogan “where the buses stop and the people shop!”
Third Generation – Leamon M. Fite, Sr.
During this time: Montgomery Bus Boycott, First Man on the Moon, Vietnam War
In the late 1950’s, after returning from active duty in the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marines, third generation grocery store owner Leamon M. Fite, Sr. took over the family business. During the late 1970’s, the location was moved west about 2 miles on Highway 202 in Anniston. The grocery store then was named Kash-N-Karry, with the symbolic orange lighted arrow above the store sign becoming a local icon.
Fourth Generation – Leamon M. Fite, Jr.
During this time: Berlin Wall comes down, President Clinton impeached, Y2K
In 1985, fourth generation grocery store owner Leamon “Lea” Fite, Jr. formed a business partnership with lifelong grocery store operator Mike Sanders. These two took over the family business, then named Lea and Mike’s. A short time thereafter, the Food Outlet concept was developed. Throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s Food Outlet expanded locations around Calhoun County, Pell City, Hartselle, Decatur, Piedmont, Ft. Payne, and Carrolton and Cedartown GA.
Fifth Generation – Leamon M. Fite, III
During this time: Berlin Wall comes down, President Clinton impeached, Y2K
In 2014, upon Mike Sanders retiring, fifth generation grocery store owner Leamon “Trae” Fite, III took over co-ownership of the family business. After over 100 years as a family owned and operated business, Discount Foods is still going strong with 4 Food Outlet supermarkets in Northeast Alabama. We gladly serve our customers with the lowest prices around on a variety of grocery items, fresh produce, and custom-cut quality meats. As we continue into the future, our core value remains the same: Treat the customer right and they will come back to see you.
From all of us here at food outlet, thank you for your business!
