Our Story

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Tsali Grocery has been in the Herrin family for over seven decades! 

 

Old North Group owner, Isaac Herrin's great-grandfather built and opened the store on the Graham/Swain County Line in the 1950s. It was a small store, less than 1,000 square feet and sold fishing bait, ice, candy, and gas.

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In Isaac's words,

"As a child, I remember spending my sick days in that old store with my grandmother Irma, as regulars and visitors came in to see her. At her funeral, I began to realize how many lives she affected by doing what she knew and loved, serving the people."

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From selling candy bars to motorcycle riders, to feeding dozens of road construction workers every day, Erma always made sure no one left the store hungry.

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Today, the old country store serves as "home base" for Old North housekeeping staff. But the words 'Tsali Grocery' still remain painted on the original windows.

The legacies of Carl Brown and Irma Herrin live on through a different type of business - now run by their grandson, Isaac.