COMMUNITY
Gray Brothers October 2005
(Read the previous stories in the series.)
In celebration of American Indian Heritage Month in November, SMECO is featuring a locally owned and operated American Indian-owned business.
Gray Brothers is run by members of the Piscataway Indian Tribe and is located in Marbury at 4000 Chicamuxen Road. The store has served the local community for more than 100 years. Originally, Gray Brothers was a waterfront store that transported goods such as flour and sugar by barge.
Currently operated by Sandra Gray, the store was established by Sandra’s grandfather around 1900. Her father took over when he came of age, followed by Sandra. Sandra has been running things for the last 45 years.
Time went on (as time will do) and many aspects of the business have changed. The store moved to their current location, and is no longer located on the water. Hardwood floors have been replaced with durable concrete. The garden center has been consolidated, and now only offers mulch, topsoil, and stone for delivery. In addition to fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, and canned and dried products, a large refrigerated area now offers customers frozen and dairy items. In addition to food, Gray Brothers offers a variety of household and miscellaneous items, including fishing, office, and grilling supplies.
Through all the growth and improvements—through all the changes in the way business is done—some things have stayed the same.
“We still offer our customers quality items and a personal, friendly touch,” Sandra says. “Every customer is an individual, and that’s the way we treat them. It’s hard to find that kind of service 
in many of today’s larger supermarket chains.”
Soon, Sandra will pass on the daily responsibilities of operating the store to her two sons and her daughter.
“The store is definitely going to stay in the family,” Sandra says. “You respect the work and sacrifice of previous generations, and you want to hold tight to all they’ve accomplished—for yourself and generations to come.”
To contact Gray Brothers, call 301-743-7343.