This Family-Owned Tennessee Grocery Store Makes Stocking Up On Essentials More Affordable

Grocery shopping shouldn’t feel like a test of how much money you can stretch until payday. Yet these days, even a short trip for milk, bread, and dinner ingredients can leave you staring at the receipt in disbelief.

Thankfully, one family-owned grocery store in Tennessee is giving shoppers a reason to feel better about filling their carts.

Forget fancy displays and expensive extras. Here, the focus is on keeping everyday groceries affordable, so families can pick up what they need without worrying quite so much about the total.

Fresh produce, pantry staples, meat, and household essentials all matter when you’re trying to make every dollar count. And finding them at prices that leave a little breathing room feels like a small victory.

For Tennessee families tired of watching grocery bills climb, this longtime neighborhood business offers something worth paying attention to. It might just change where you shop next week.

A Story That Started Back In 1910

Few grocery stores can say they opened before sliced bread was invented. Naifeh’s can.

The family story began in 1910, when Joseph S. Naifeh opened his first grocery on the East Side of the Covington Square.

Joseph came from Beirut, Lebanon, and he arrived with big plans. He wanted to serve his new neighbors well. That simple goal turned into a business that has lasted more than a hundred years.

Picture the town square back then. Shoppers bought flour, sugar, and coffee from a counter.

They chatted with the owner and caught up on local news. That friendly spirit never really left the family.

Today, the business is led by Judson William Oney Naifeh. He is the fourth generation of grocers in his family. In 2024, his son Oney joined the team, carrying the work into a fifth generation.

Think about how rare that is. Many companies change owners every few years. Here, the same family has guided the store through wars, booms, and big changes in how people shop.

That long history matters for your wallet, too. A family with deep roots cares about keeping neighbors coming back.

They know trust is earned one fair price at a time. When you shop here, you become part of a story that started more than a century ago in Tennessee.

Firsts That Changed How Covington Shopped

Grab a shopping cart and thank a Naifeh. Joseph’s son, Oney, brought the very first shopping carts to Covington. Before that, people carried baskets or asked clerks to fetch items.

Carts were only the beginning. Oney also opened the first in-store meat market in town. Shoppers could now pick out fresh cuts right where they bought their bread and beans.

Then came another smart move. Naifeh’s became the first store in Covington to sell refrigerated milk.

It sounds normal now, but back then it was a real treat. Cold milk on the shelf meant fewer trips and fresher breakfasts.

The family kept growing in the middle of the 1900s. They bought other local stores, including Kroger and Piggly Wiggly locations. Each step helped them reach more families across Tipton County.

The habit of trying new things passed down the line. Judson Naifeh later added electronic shelf tags and automatic meat cutters. Those tools help keep prices accurate and service quick.

Why should this matter to you? A store that loves fresh ideas usually finds better ways to save you time.

It also looks for ways to cut costs without cutting quality. That forward-thinking attitude is a big reason the business still thrives today.

The Clever Math Behind Cost Plus 10 Percent

Here is a pricing trick that is not a trick at all. Naifeh’s Cash Saver runs as a Cost Plus 10 percent store. The price on the shelf is what the store actually paid for the item.

At checkout, 10 percent gets added to your total. That small amount covers things like payroll, utilities, and other store costs. Regular grocery stores usually hide their markup inside each price tag.

This setup lets you see the real numbers. You know exactly what the store pays and what you pay on top. It is honest, and many shoppers find it saves them money overall.

A smart tip will help you budget. When you look at a shelf price, add about 10 percent in your head. A five dollar item will ring up close to five fifty.

Bring a quick list and a calculator app if you like planning. Watching your total grow by the right amount feels pretty satisfying. Weekly sales make the savings even sweeter.

Always glance at your receipt before you leave. If anything looks confusing, the team is happy to explain how the pricing works.

Once you get the hang of it, you may wonder why every store does not show its costs so plainly.

A Butcher Counter Worth Planning Dinner Around

Dinner plans have a funny way of starting at the meat case. At this Covington store, that is a very good thing. The meat market has been part of the family business for generations.

Remember, Oney Naifeh opened the first in-store meat market in town. That tradition still shines today. You will find fresh cuts of beef, chicken, and pork ready for your skillet or grill.

Pork chops are a popular pick here. Center cut packs often come at friendly prices, which helps when feeding a hungry crowd. Ground beef, roasts, and steaks round out the lineup.

A butcher is on hand to help. Ask about the best cut for a slow cooker meal or a quick weeknight supper. Butchers know their stuff and can point you toward great value.

Smoked meats are another treat worth knowing about. The store has offered smoked Boston butts, which make an easy main dish for a family gathering.

Pair one with a few sides, and supper is mostly done. Here is a budget tip. Buy larger packs when prices dip and freeze portions at home.

Label each bag with the date. You will thank yourself on a busy night when dinner is already waiting in the freezer.

Homemade Deli Favorites With A Special Sticker

Some stickers simply mean business. At the Naifeh’s deli, a label reading Homemade at Naifeh’s tells you something tasty was made right there in the store.

Chicken salad is one of the big stars. It works on crackers, on a croissant, or straight from the tub with a fork. Nobody is judging.

Pimento cheese is another Southern classic in the lineup. Spread it on white bread for a simple lunch, or melt it on a burger. It also makes a fine dip for celery sticks.

Then there is the Pineapple Cheeseball. It shows up at parties and holiday tables across the area. Set it out with crackers and watch it disappear in minutes.

The deli also serves hot meals for breakfast and lunch. Fried chicken is a well-loved choice for folks short on time.

Grabbing a ready meal can cost less than eating out, and it still feels homemade. Planning a get-together? Pick up a few deli tubs instead of cooking everything yourself.

You save hours in the kitchen and still serve food with real hometown flavor. It is one of the easiest ways to look like a party hero without breaking a sweat or the budget.

Fresh Produce, Bakery Treats, And Local Goodies

Color is the first thing you notice in the produce aisle. Red apples, green peppers, and bright citrus line the bins. Naifeh’s offers local farm-fresh produce when it is in season.

Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables is a smart money move. Prices tend to be lower when crops are plentiful. They often taste better, too, since they travel a shorter distance.

Next door to all that freshness sits the bakery. Breads, cookies, and designer desserts tempt you from the case. Custom cakes are also available for birthdays and special days.

Ordering a decorated cake from a local bakery can be a great value. You get a personal design without paying fancy shop prices. Call ahead so the bakers have time to make it just right.

Local flavors pop up all over the store. Look for coffee beans, teas, jellies, and sauces made by nearby businesses. These items make thoughtful gifts and support small makers in Tennessee.

A simple habit helps here. Walk the produce section first and build meals around what looks best that week.

Then grab a loaf of fresh bread and maybe a local jelly. Your cart stays healthy, your meals stay interesting, and your budget stays happy.

Apps, Pickup, And Other Time-Saving Tricks

Your phone can be a powerful coupon clipper. Naifeh’s Cash Saver has its own mobile app packed with handy features. You can check weekly ads, load digital coupons, and join the rewards program.

Digital coupons are easy to use. Tap the deals you want before you shop, and the savings apply at checkout. No scissors, no paper, and no forgotten coupons in the car.

Online shopping is another big helper. Build your order from home and choose pickup or home delivery.

Pickup is simple. You park, let the team know you have arrived, and they bring groceries to you.

This service is a lifesaver for busy parents and anyone who has trouble getting around. It also keeps impulse buys low. When you shop from a list on a screen, those extra snacks are easier to skip.

Prefer to shop in person but hate long lines? The Covington store added self-checkout lanes in 2019. They are perfect for a quick trip when you need just a few things.

Try this plan for the week. Check the weekly ad in the app on Sunday.

Build meals around the best deals, then place a pickup order. You will spend less time in the aisles and keep more cash in your pocket.

A Hometown Anchor On Highway 51

Some stores sell groceries, and some stores hold a town together. Naifeh’s is proud to be the only independent grocer still serving Covington. That makes it a true community anchor.

In March 2020, the family bought the former Kroger building in town. After big renovations, they moved in and grew their operation. Today you will find the store at 951 US-51, Covington, TN 38019.

Inside, the space includes a bakery, deli, meat market, produce section, and even a pharmacy. Having so much under one roof saves gas and time. One stop can cover dinner, dessert, and a prescription.

The store is open from 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, hours run from 7 AM to 8 PM. Early birds and late shoppers can both find a time that works.

Naifeh’s also gives back. The family sponsors local events and causes.

Many people in Covington even got their very first job at the store, learning skills they carry for life.

When you spend money at a local Tennessee grocer like this, more of it stays close to home. It helps pay local workers and supports local projects.

Stocking up on essentials has rarely felt this good for the whole neighborhood.