Henry Lawrence Sumner of Sumner’s Food Store operated five different locations in the city of Tampa in the 1950s. This store in the heart of Palma Ceia at 2815 MacDill Avenue was a local favorite for grocery shopping. It was remodeled, and air-conditioned in 1953 and claimed to be Tampa’s oldest home-owned retail grocery organization. In 1961, Sumner sold all five food markets to IGA (Independent Grocers Alliance)

By the mid-1960s, the building had become a Cash and Carry Furniture Warehouse, which lasted until 1973. In September 1977, the Salvation Army opened its fifth thrift store in the area, and it continues to thrive at the location.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved