Last Updated on December 5, 2022
Richloam General Store, tucked away in the Withlacoochee State Forest and located in the city of Webster (eastern Hernando County), is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year! The family-owned and operated store has been a staple in the community for generations … and it’s still going strong today.
Sid Brinson, the original owner, opened Richloam General Store in 1922 as a general store and post office for the tiny town. A train depot, ice house, barn, and local turpentine distillery also sat on the property.
In January 1928, the original store burned to the ground. There was a lot of speculation at the time that the fire was intentionally set to cover up a robbery. Since the property housed a post office, this would have been considered a federal crime.
It didn’t take long for the general store to reopen. When the store was rebuilt, it was built with metal to protect it from fires. The store remained open until 1936. Towards the end of the Great Depression and continuing until the mid-50s, it was used as a family home.
It then sat vacant for almost 20 years. In 1973, Sid Brinson’s nephew John Brinson (and his wife Daisy) purchased the property and raised their five children there. The store continued to remain vacant and was often used as a clubhouse while the kids were growing up.
In 2003, Erik Burkes purchased the property from his father John. In 2016, Erik and his mom Daisy decided it was time to renovate the general store and reopen it.
The new Richloam General Store quickly became known for its friendly staff and its wide selection of items you wouldn’t find at your local grocery store, products that are specifically targeted to the 1920s and 1930s time period.
You’ll find products such as handmade brooms, local honey, jams, jellies, sauces, salt-cured meat, vintage toys, and jars of old-fashioned candy. They even have a small ice cream parlor.
When you visit, make sure you pick up some of Big John’s BBQ sauce, made from a secret recipe by Big John himself (Burke’s late father). It was John’s dream to bring his BBQ product to market. His family made sure to honor John’s dream/legacy and are thrilled to be selling the family’s BBQ sauce commercially.
Richloam General Store is a true community hub. The little store plays an important role in the lives of many residents. It pays homage to simpler times and offers a taste of life in the United States of America grounded in the best of yesteryear.
The store’s long history is a testament to the strength of the community. In fact, Richloam General Store was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 12, 2017.
Richloam General Store has been through a lot over the past 100 years, but it has always bounced back. The store is a symbol of the community’s resilience and will continue to serve the Webster area for many years to come.
The next time your travels bring to Florida’s Adventure Coast, make sure you stop at this historic establishment. There’s nothing better than enjoying a cold soda or ice cream on one of the front porch rocking chairs and letting time slow down a bit.
Address: 38219 Richloam Claysink Rd, Webster, FL 33597 (The store sits south of State Road 50, about three miles east of U.S. 301. Look for the signs.)
Phone Number: 1-800-915-8027
Business Hours: Open 7 days a week from 10 am to 4 pm.
4th Annual Hoopla 100 Year Anniversary
On June 25th, everyone is invited to celebrate 100 years since the Richloam General Store was founded. They will have live music by 7 lbs. of Bacon, Cracker Historian Jim McAlister, Blacksmithing by Steve Milton, FREE Water Slide, FREE bounce house, FREE BBQ and much more!
The event is hosted by Richloam General Store. Parking and Admission is FREE! Learn more on Facebook.
Check out these articles featuring other fun things to do in Central West Florida:
- Exploring Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee
- A Day Trip to Florida’s Kitschy Adventure Coast
- Swim with a Manatee and Experience Authentic Crystal River, the Soul of Florida
- A Day Trip to Authentic Dade City
- Put the Florida Mermaid Trail in Brooksville on Your Bucket List
- Making Mermaid Statues: Follow the Tails
- 6 Magical Places to See Florida Mermaids