Local Business Spotlight
Williams Grocery has been part of Richmond Heights for a decade. The small store, located at 14660 Lincoln Boulevard, is owned by Julita Williams, who opened it in 2014 after years of selling jewelry and handbags to save money for her own business. She wanted to create a place that served the people who live in the Heights.
The store carries what neighbors need most: food, cleaning supplies, and small household items. For many residents, especially seniors and families without cars, it provides a convenient and dependable option close to home. Prices are fair, and the atmosphere is welcoming. People come in to shop, but they also stop to talk and check in on one another.
Williams is known for giving back. Every Thanksgiving she gives away turkeys or prepares meals for families who need help. In December she hands out gifts for children and small tokens for adults. She also sponsors the Richmond Giants baseball team and cheerleaders, providing uniforms and support so local kids can stay active.
In recent years, Williams partnered with Community Fridge, a program that installs public refrigerators in neighborhoods where residents can donate or take food freely. One sits outside her store and is stocked daily. “If someone’s hungry, they can eat,” she said.
Running a small business hasn’t been easy. Her store was once broken into and several items were stolen. Without insurance, she had to cover the cost of repairs and replacement on her own. Still, she reopened the next day. “The people here depend on this store,” she said.
Williams Grocery has become more than a place to buy groceries. It serves as a community hub where neighbors exchange stories and small updates about life in Richmond Heights. Children stop by after school, and regulars greet each other as if they were family.
For the people of Richmond Heights, Williams Grocery stands for consistency and care. It reflects the values that built the neighborhood: hard work, generosity, and pride in taking care of one another.
