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1110 12th St
Carlyle, IL 62231
(618) 594-3415

The following article was published on Thursday, August 7, 2008 in the Breese Journal and was written by Vicky Albers.

Commitment to the community, hard work, dedication -- it takes all of these qualities to run a successful business.

It's evident that the Taylor family in Carlyle has demonstrated all these and more as they proudly announce their 25th anniversary of their business, Carlyle IGA. Most of all, the Taylors are proud of the fact that they're family-owned store has survived and continues to thrive in the age of chain-store sameness and economic uncertainty.

Carlyle IGA co-owner/manager Jeff Taylor stressed that staying in business for 25 years would not be possible without a strong customer base. "We truly want to thank all of our customers over the years," Jeff said.

In an effort to celebrate their special year with their customers, the store will be holding an in-store appreciation sale and has plans for a customer appreciation celebration September 19 and 20.

Jeff's father, the late Jack Taylor, and Ken Day purchased the Carlyle IGA in 1983 when the former owners, John and Thelma Altadonna, announced their plans to retire. In 1985, Jack bought out Ken's share of the business. Since then it's been a family affair.

While Jack could be found behind the meat counter, Pat works the checkout counter and handles bookkeeping. From an early age, Jeff helped out where needed throughout the store and his younger brother Craig assisted in the meat department. Even Pat parents Paul and Martha Kahrhoff did their share.

Paul helped out stocking shelves until his death in 1997 and Martha, who passed away in April at the age of 99, was still working at the store at 98, providing such delicacies as her own homemade pies, gravies and other specialties which were found in the store's deli.

"I think our customers appreciate the special services that we provide," Jeff said.

Carlyle IGA is well known for its top-quality selection of meets. For a quick and affordable meal, fried chicken with all the fixings, along with many other hot and cold dishes, can be found daily in the full-service deli. The store provides ice service for several area picnics and outdoor events. Carlyle IGA also offers catering service for any size group whether it be a hundred people or 1,200 people. In addition to that, the Carlyle IGA annex, located directly north of the store, is available for those who need a banquet facility to hold a special event.

Throughout the years, the Taylors have survived in business by "going with the changes," Jeff said. The larger deli was added five or six years ago, shelving has been changed to accommodate new styles of packaging, the frozen food section was expanded to offer a larger selection and variety.

"It seems like every year were involved in some type of remodeling," Jeff said.

While aesthetic changes have been ongoing throughout the years, the biggest change the family was forced to endure came last fall with the sudden death of Jack Taylor.

The 66-year-old store owners and civic leader died October 18, 2007 at St. Louis University Hospital after collapsing at work earlier that day.

Jeff recalled that fateful day. "It was the worst day of my life," he said. "I had just taken my son Maverick to school and I received a call that dad had fallen and was passed out."

He was taken to the hospital by ambulance and then flown to St. Louis by helicopter; however the elder Taylor had suffered a fatal heart attack.

Within five hours of Jack's fall, the family was making funeral arrangements.

"We really had no warning," Jeff said. "It just happened so fast. We've learned throughout this experience that you have to have a lot of faith. You can't be mad at God for taking someone away from you. You just have to have some faith that shall see him again someday."

In addition to being well-known as a friendly face behind the meat counter of his IGA store, Jack Taylor is also remembered for his many years of civic duty for the city of Carlyle and Clinton County.

Taylor served on the Carlyle City Council for over 20 years before being elected to the Clinton County Board nine years ago to represent the Carlyle district.

Jeff since filled his dad's position on the County Board, and his brother Craig also serves on the board.

Jeff said he is proud to be able to continue with his father's work.

"Just yesterday, a lady was in the store and accidentally said 'Hi Jack' to me," Jeff said." She apologized and I told her, 'you can call me Jack anytime.' It's a compliment.'"

Just as Jack dedicated so much of his life to serving the community both in the store and outside the store, Jeff intends to continue the same.

"We've learned to thrive and we've survived well in spite of the competition. Many other places are on their second or third owners," Jeff said. "We are proud of what we have accomplished and we want to stress that even a small store, a store or size, is still able to compete."

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