In February of 1961, Carlie C and Joyce McLamb opened a small country store in Johnston County on Highway 242. Right from the start, they understood the challenges that lay ahead of them. They knew that it would be hard work, but neither one of them had ever been afraid of working hard for what they wanted. The store quickly became known for its quality meats, fair prices, and customer service. Carlie C had acquired the store from Otis McLamb. They had been running the store for a little over a year when the landlord would not renew their lease. At about the same time, Mr. Floyd Altman, who owned a grocery store on Highway 301 between Dunn and Benson, approached Carlie C and Joyce about operating the store he was running.