Big day planned for Italy and local feed store
James & Joyce Hobbs — The Hobbs’ are the new owners of Hobbs Feed & Supply (previously Gage Feed & Supply) and have a special grand opening event planned for March 13 & 14. (Karen Mathiowetz)
James & Joyce Hobbs, owners of Hobbs Feed & Supply in Italy, are excited about their upcoming grand opening. On March 13 & 14, 2009 they have many activities planned for the residents of Italy and the surrounding communities.
“We want everyone in the community to come out and enjoy the festivities,” said James Hobbs, the feed store’s new owner. “We thought this would be a great way to introduce ourselves and for people to know we are here and what we offer in the way of supplies and feed.”
One of the highlights of the activities will be the Hobbs Feed & Supply 1st Annual BBQ Cook-Off. Categories include brisket, ribs and chicken.
KBEC Radio will be broadcasting from the feed store on Saturday March 13th. Door prizes donated by other Italy and Waxahachie merchants will be available for visitors to win.
“One of the things we want to do on Saturday is to honor all veterans,” Hobbs added. “Our son, Weldon, just returned from a tour of duty in Bagdad on the 12th of this month. We appreciate the sacrifice our veterans have made for our country and hope they will attend as our special guests.”
James and Joyce moved to Ellis County from Santa Fe in Galveston County. They temporally evacuated to Ellis County when Hurricane Katrina hit the Texas coast. Then, when Hurricane Ike hit the Galveston area, they came to Ellis County again. They decided to buy a house and stay. They have not regretted that decision.
“We found the feed store before we found a place to live,” Joyce said. “We love it here. The Italy community welcomed us with open arms. We want to become involved in our community. We feel like God brought us to Ellis County.”
James retired after 32 years with the Houston Fire Department. After retirement, he was not ready for a rocking chair, so he bought a farm in Santa Fe, Texas and raised livestock. He and Joyce married two years ago and are the proud parents of 6 children and 6 grandchildren.
Hobbs Feed & Supply, formerly Gage Feed, is located at Hwy 77 & Hwy 34. They sell farm and ranch supplies, welding supplies, garden products, plants and seeds, insecticides, hay and tack and vet supplies. Visit them at www.hobbsfeed.com or call (972) 483-7241 for more information.