Downtown Association recognizes longtime Downtown businesses at annual luncheon

By Jon Johnson

SAFFORD – Opening a new business and staying afloat for a year is an accomplishment. Continually running a business successfully for more than 70 years is an accomplishment to be recognized, and that’s just what the Safford Downtown Association (SDA) did at its annual luncheon at the renovated historic Safford Theatre on Wednesday in Downtown Safford.

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Businesses recognized at the event with more than 70 years of continuous service included, from left, Allred’s Insurance (1955) represented by Beau Allred, Casa Mañana (1952) represented by Adam Hoopes, and McDougal Caldwell Funerals & Cremations (1950) represented by Bill Watkins. Not pictured are representatives from Thriftee Food & Drug (1949).

Instead of its normal “Best of Safford Awards”, the SDA chose to recognize those Downtown businesses that have been in continuous operation for more than 70 years. Those businesses honored at the luncheon included Allred’s Insurance (1955); Casa Mañana (1952); McDougal Caldwell Funerals & Cremations (1950) Thriftee Food & Drug (1949); Haralson Tire Pros & Auto Service (1938); Safford Builder’s Supply Ace Hardware (1938); Swire Coca Cola (1920); and Emil Crockett Insurance Agency (1912).

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Businesses recognized at the event with more than 70 years of continuous service included, from left, Haralson Tire Pros & Auto Service (1938) represented by Shawn Haralson, Safford Builder’s Supply Ace Hardware (1938) represented by Randa McKinney, and Coca Cola (1920) represented by Mitch Jacquez Field Sales Manager. Not pictured are representatives from Emil Crockett Insurance Agency (1912).

Accepting for Allred’s Insurance was third-generation owner Beau Allred.

“My grandfather started our business right out of the American Club right across the street and turned it into Allred’s Insurance here on the corner, and we’ve been here since 1955,” Allred said.

*Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Adam Hoopes, owner of Casa Mañana, shows off his restaurant’s recognition award.*

“What an honor,” Adam Hoopes, owner of Casa Mañana, said. “I didn’t realize it’s been that long. Of course, not all of it’s for me, but it’s fun to be the family that’s carrying on the tradition. The memories that are made around the table and around some food, so it’s really fun to be a part of this legacy and this community. I love it.”

Some of the oldest businesses included Haralson Tire Pros & Auto Service and Safford Builder’s Supply Ace Hardware, which have been in business since 1938.

“It’s been a long journey for us – I’m fourth generation,” Shawn Haralson said. “We’ve been family-run and operated my entire life. But we couldn’t do it without the great community that we have here in Safford. We appreciate everybody that comes and sees us. We hope to keep continuing to serve generations to come as we have.”

“We feel from Safford Builder’s Supply, what an honor and a privilege it is to be here and to survive and to grow many, many years.”

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Public/private power couple Thatcher Mayor Jenny Howard and Graham County District 2 Supervisor John Howard take in the event. The Howards also own and operate Ginaveve’s Market Place & The Main Street Bean in Downtown Safford.

Two businesses have been in operation for more than 100 years, Coca Cola, which started in 1920, and Emil Crockett Insurance, which started in 1918.

Safford Downtown Association President Danny Smith spoke about the historic Safford Theatre, which was originally donated by Susan and Dave Duros to the Gila Valley Preservation Committee. From there, the late Bill Lewis was instrumental in saving what was left of the building. Since then, hundreds of community members and businesses have come together to donate money, time, and ability toward the theatre’s restoration, which is nearly complete.

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: SDA President Danny Smith said the historic Safford Theatre is an economic development project whose purpose is to bring people into the Downtown area through concerts, movies, and events.

“This is an economic development project,” Smith said. “The purpose of this is to bring people Downtown in the evening and make cash registers ring at the surrounding businesses at 85-plus nights a year to start with. The building will be able to show movies, concerts, performances – you can rent the space for whatever your event needs to be.”

The food was prepared by the Safford Lions Club, and included a hot dog, potato salad, chips, a drink, and a cookie.

New Businesses Recognized

The SDA also recognized four new businesses that opened up in the Downtown area in 2024. Those businesses include The Happy Hippie; Chubba; Rafter G BBQ; and Garrett’s Sweet Shop.

The Happy Hippy is a thrift store that has a large assortment of vintage video games and movies. Owner and operator Jocelyn Stoner said she opened the store with her business partner when she was only 17.

“It has been a journey,” Stoner said. “I’m so grateful for all the support I have gotten, and I am so appreciative of this community that we have. I definitely wouldn’t be here today without you guys, thank you.”

*Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Jocelyn Stoner said she opened The Happy Hippy with her business partner when she was only 17.*

Chubba sells hamburgers and other food items from its location at 611 S. 6th Ave. Owner and operator Noah Jones has gone from beating the lambskins on his drum kit to smashing the ground beef for his smashed patty burgers.

“It’s been really cool,” Jones said. “The community has been very receptive of us. I had no idea what to expect. I’m very appreciative. This is cool. Now I have a little thing to put in my window.”

*Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Noah Jones runs his restaurant, Chubba.*

Garrett’s Sweet Shop sells ice cream and other desserts. Owner Tricia Garrett said after always longing to leave, she’s glad she ended up staying in the Gila Valley.

“I’m a first-generation ice cream shop owner, but I’m a multi-generational entrepreneur. And if you stop by the ice cream shop, there’s a brag wall. My family is seven generations deep in the Gila Valley. I’ve not ever wanted anything but to move, but I’m grateful that I’m still here.”

*Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: This is the view of the stage from the balcony.*

Rafter G BBQ is a barbecue restaurant. There were no representatives for Rafter G BBQ at the event.

“Downtown Safford is an authentic place,” Smith said. “Nobody travels to see 2X6 stucco construction somewhere. We’re lucky that we have a Downtown with great bones and old buildings that are interesting.”