Sparks & Sons Island Grocery - Fresh, Quality, Friendly
When we host guests at our vacation rentals at St. George Island Beach Vacations, we are often asked by first time visitors, "Where is the nearest grocery store?" There are other options in the area – Piggly Wiggly in Apalachicola, Dollar General in Eastpoint, the “Blue Pig” near the SGI lighthouse – but the most convenient full service grocery store is Sparks and Sons Island Grocery just across the bridge to the island.
The Sparks family has been around the island for 22 years (Patrick Sparks, son of owner Richard Sparks, is the owner of Paddy’s Raw Bar). Mr. Richard Sparks managed stores for Publix before he retired. When I spoke with Richard, he told me it was always his dream to own his own store. So when the former SGI Fresh store (which opened seven years earlier) came up for sale, Richard decided to come out of retirement and purchase the store.
Richard believed that owners and St. George Island vacation rental visitors needed a “real grocery store.” His ultimate goal was to keep people from crossing the bridge to get quality groceries. He wanted to bring the Publix experience to the island – quality, friendly and fresh. He wants to make sure that people are treated right and offer them real quality…
…And Richard has done an excellent job accomplishing those goals! He purchased the former SGI Fresh and Island Grocery opened in March 2018. He added prime meats, fresh and high quality produce, baked goods and a deli. Sparks & Sons Island Grocery soon began to offer hot meals as well. They smoke their own meat and offer things like smoked wings, chicken, baby back ribs, and pulled pork on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. (Make sure you check the Island Grocery Facebook page to see what they have on the smoker.) They offer a tailgate package where people can order ahead and get smoked meat and all the fixins for the big games! You can even stop in and get a free cup of coffee.
Mike Sparks, Mr. Richard’s son who you can often find around the store, is a former Alabama Crimson Tide kicker too…Roll Tide Roll!
So what can St. George Island visitors expect for prices when they arrive at Sparks & Sons? Below we’ve provided several pictures of prices on popular items that people need when on vacation.
Whether you need a loaf of bread or a filet mignon, go check out Sparks & Sons at 119 Franklin Blvd (just across the bridge on the left side). Go in there, support the local economy and give Mike a big Roll Tide!
A special thanks to Mr. Richard Sparks for taking the time to tell me more about his history and his passion for bringing quality to St. George Island.
