InTucker Magazine

Business of the Month – Cofer Brothers

In 1919, Woodrow Wilson occupied the White House, Congress approved Prohibition and the Chicago White Sox famously threw the World Series. Those were the big national headlines. Here in Tucker, the talk of the town was a brand-new general store called Cofer Bros.

Brothers Kelley and Reid Cofer, whose names you’ll see today on a Tucker park and library respectively, opened the business, offering locals a place to buy, trade or simply hang out. Over the years, the business has very successfully transitioned to hardware and building material sales, but has always stayed within the Cofer family. Today, Chip Cofer runs the operation and is currently getting ready for the company’s 100th birthday celebration.

“[We are] proud to be Tucker’s oldest business,” Cofer says. “In keeping with the dreams of my grandfather and father, Cofer Brothers will always operate with a culture of integrity, respect and customer appreciation. Today, with fourth generation involvement, we are looking forward to the next 100 years.”

Even after 100 years, the store remains a meeting place for locals; a home away from home complete with rocking chairs and swings on the front porch. It sits across the way from another longtime Main Street staple, Matthews Cafeteria.

“It’s really unique to have the two businesses across the street from each other,” says Tucker Historical Society President Matthew Lee. “When people think of Main Street and multigenerational family owned businesses, they often think of Matthews, but the Cofer family found their niche 35 years earlier.”

Beyond the business side of things, Cofer Bros. is making an impact in the community, as well. Chip Cofer is instrumental in the Old Town Tucker Merchants Association (OTTMA). He and fellow business owners help put on events like Taste of Tucker, Holiday on Main and the monthly Tucker Cruise-In.

Cofer Bros. will hold its centennial celebration the week of October 14 and receive a special honor from the Mayor as part of the festivities. They are located at 2300 Main Street and online at www.coferbrothers.com.