Miller Meats closes after 40 years

In recent years, the customer base dwindled as fewer people are cooking, according to the family that operated the market.

By SHARON BOND

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 17, 2000

[Times photo: Michael Rondou] Bob Miller and his wife, Gini, founded the market 40 years ago.

PINELLAS PARK -- The four Millers looked a bit stunned Monday, standing in their meat market where the cases were nearly empty and the only thing left in the freezer was beef tongue. Customers were down to about one an hour.

Miller Meats at 4794 76th Ave. N closed Tuesday after 40 years and two generations of the same family running it.

"There is just not enough business anymore," said Kim Miller, 44, manager of the market for the past three years.

She is the daughter of its founders, Bob and Gini Miller who opened the market in another location on June 15, 1960. Her brother Dave, 46, ran the market before her and was on hand during the last days this week. Another daughter, Jan Mazoochi, also worked in the market.

"People's eating habits have changed. Their shopping habits have changed. People don't cook anymore," said Dave Miller.

"People who do eat at home want it in 10 minutes," said Gini Miller. "And they always want one-stop shopping. That has a lot to do with it."

The construction of a median with palm trees on 49th Street several years ago cut into their business badly, said Gini Miller. A lot of their customers were older and had trouble negotiating the extra turns required of southbound drivers headed to the market.

Miller Meats sold some canned goods, sauces, and spices in addition to the main fare of beef, poultry, pork, lamb, veal, alligator, rabbit, buffalo, sausage and at one time, ostrich. Specialties included oxtails, pork brains and beef heart and kidneys.

The Millers said the market lasted as long as it did because it was run by family. Two butchers, Charlie Paxton and Lee Crawford were the only nonfamily employees at the end. During the 1970s and 1980s, there were nine full-time employees and five part-timers.

Catherine and Harold Torgerson of Pinellas Park have been customers for 23 years. Mrs. Torgerson said she didn't know what she will do now.

"They are the only butcher around," Mrs. Torgerson said. "I've always been used to going to a butcher." She said she spent about $25 a week at the market. Monday she left with boneless pork roast, ground round and sliced liverwurst.

"I thought they would be there forever," said Mrs. Torgerson as the two left the market.

The Millers said the Torgersons were typical of their regular customers, who they described as "the best in the world." They sent letters out to about 300 for whom they had addresses, but said there are others they could not notify of the closing or thank for their patronage.

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