In 1943, William Jefferson (W.J.) Harris founded Harris Grocery and Market in a small wooden country store building. Shortly afterward, he enlisted in The U.S. Army to help fight in World War II. While he was away, his wife, Kathleen Harris, kept the business running.

After returning from the war, they continued the business adding his famous sausage recipe and cured meats. In 1955, they had a Grand Opening of the new building on the land where the business is currently located.

During that time, he also had a rolling store, much like today’s ice cream truck. He serviced the people in the community that had no transportation to get to the store. He saw many businesses like his close when Hawkinsville got its first supermarket, Piggly Wiggly. However, Mr. Harris adapted with the times and kept the business running.

In 1982, his daughter, Karen Harris Dollar, took over the family business. Greg and Karen had the store incorporated, and Harris Kuntry Meats & Grocery, Inc. was born. In 1987, she was joined full-time by her husband, Greg. In 1988, they remodeled the old building and had a grand re-opening. They also added bait and tackle, deer processing, and a garden center.

In 2006, their son, Chris Dollar, took over the business. Chris added grilled items along with several sausage flavors. In 2017, during a hurricane, the store burned suffering a total loss. The Grand Re-Opening of the current building with updated, state-of-the-art equipment was in June of 2018. The new building features a deli with ready-to-eat food in order to service people in a fast-paced world. Chris also brought in a line of Choice grade or higher Certified Angus Beef featuring hand-cut steaks. Catering has also been added in order to bring the quality of Harris’s straight to your table at your special events.

Throughout three generations, the Harris family has focused on customer service. People who shop with us are treated like family. Each generation brought in new ideas in order to grow with our customers.