After being in the grocery business 44 years, Charles and Maurine decided if they were going to remain in business, they would have to make some changes. They would have to work on a way to attract more customers; therefore, in 2000 they opened a kitchen. The gamble has obviously paid off. Two things the Keeney’s believe in are serving a quality product and excellent customer service. They
believe these are critical to a successful business. This is something you don’t always get with the bigger stores. The grocery business has changed over the years, there used to be 25 small stores in this town before the larger chains moved in. Keeney’s still maintain a full line of food items, but they also offer catering. They mainly cook food for folks to come in and get. Born in Garland County and raised in the small community of Possum Trot near Oak Grove, it was natural for Charles to gravitate towards the food industry. He is a self-taught butcher. He learned his trade while working in the store. He says he has learned more in the last 15 years than in all the others years put together. Marketing seems to be one of Charles’ strengths. He feels that in any job especially when you are cooking, your goal is to satisfy people and make them happy. Adding the kitchen kept them from closing the store. They do the whole show for breakfast and lunch. They grind their own sausage, make homemade biscuits, jellies and gravy from scratch. The Keeney’s specialize in customer service and home-cooked foods. They even market their own seasonings and barbecue sauce. In addition to their smoked meats and usual meals, they specialize in serving an outstanding rib-eye steak on Thursdays. Their made from scratch egg custard pies, banana pudding, sweet potato pie and peach cobbler are real popular. For excellent down home food and a friendly family atmosphere where everyone feels at home, you cannot beat Keeney’s Grocery and Restaurant in Malvern. The Keeney’s are located on the corner of Dyer and West Mill Streets in Malvern, a spot they have occupied for the last 60 years.
