Fifty-five years. 

That’s how long it’s been since Super 1 Foods opened its first store.

So how did 88-year-old owner Ron McIntire celebrate? 

By working, of course. 

“I’m here every day, except Sunday,” he said as he sat in his office at the Hayden store Wednesday afternoon. “But I’m not here eight hours anymore. Usually six or seven.” 

McIntire still does the bookkeeping. Pays bills. Writes checks. Visits other stores and chats with customers. He is sharp, healthy and upbeat. 

"How are you?” he says with a smile to one shopper.

“Hi, Ron. Great to see you,” the man responds with a grin. 

McIntire has been in the grocery store business since he was 12 years old. He has built an empire of Super 1 stores in Idaho, Montana and Washington.

There are days he admits he may eventually have to step away from the business. Son Randy pretty much handles the daily operations.

"It’s about time to think about it,” Ron McIntire said, but quickly adds, “I haven’t thought about it yet.” 

For now, Ron McIntire has no intention of staying home and enjoying retirement. He loves coming to work too much and really, doesn't even consider it work.

“I’d go nuts if I didn’t,” he said. “I’ve been at it too long. It’s pretty hard to quit.” 

Even with the challenges and the competition of the grocery business, McIntire finds joy in his grocery stores. He was, is and always will be a people person. He likes people, and they like him. Whether customers or employees, he considers them part of the Super 1 family. 

"It’s always been fun," he said.

There are expansion plans, but McIntire said it’s difficult to hire enough people these days. 

“They don’t make meat cutters. They don’t make bakers. They just don’t make them anymore. They're pretty hard to find,” he said. 

Some have been with Super 1 nearly from day one. 

“Most of them were kids when they came and they’re still here,” he said proudly.

McIntire recently was surprised when a bronze statue made by Terry Lee was unveiled in his honor at McIntire Family Park. It depicts a smiling McIntire wearing his trademark white shirt, bow tie and Super 1 apron.

While humbled, he admits it's a good likeness and laughs when asked for his thoughts on it. 

“I would have never dreamed that anybody would do that,” he said. 

McIntire is known for generosity and dedication to community. He served 16 years as Hayden’s mayor, 18 years on the Coeur d’Alene School Board, over 40 years on the Avondale Irrigation District board, and many years with the Boy Scouts. He and Super 1 Foods have donated much to nonprofits.

Still, he downplays credit for it.

“It's been nice to be able to do things,” he said. “So far, so good.” 

When McIntire is home, he works in the yard, mows the lawn and tends to the fruit trees. 

Soon, family and friends will gather to collect the apples. That's a lot of family. He and his wife of 64 years, Joanne, have seven kids and about 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

“Crop is good this year," McIntire said. "This year is going to be a bumper."

    Ron McIntire, owner of Super 1 Foods, pushes a cart in the Hayden store on Wednesday.