Local landmark hits a milestone anniversary

Hoffer’s Drive In Grocery in Hallettsville is celebrating its 70th Anniversary this month.

The Drive In opened on Feb. 12, 1954, with only two employees: Nick Hoffer, owner and James Kouba, manager, both now deceased. The original convenience store and adjacent coin operated ice house was operated by Nick Hoffer, until he retired and sold the business to his brother, Leo Hoffer, in 1979.

On Aug. 31, 1981, the great flood all but demolished the original store and ice house.

For the next eight months the business moved to the three service bays in the Hoffer Truck Company building located a short distance west of the store, while a new modern building was being constructed on the original store site. A washateria and gas pumps were added to the business. The first full day of business in the new building was May 1, 1982. Two weeks later, on Thursday, May 13, 1982, another heavy rain brought water up to the gas pumps, however, since the store was built on higher ground, no damage was done to the building. Today the business has around 15 employees and is owned by Evelyn Hoffer, since the passing of her husband, Leo on Jan. 22, 2019. Congratulations goes out to Hoffer’s Drive In Grocery on its 70th Anniversary in business.