After 37 years running Chamita’s only general store, Pete Trujillo sold P&L Grocery Monday.
Trujillo was still standing behind the counter Tuesday evening, helping new owners Brent Schutz and Mike Esquibel on their first day, but he said he was just showing the new owners the ropes. Soon he said he’ll be done working at the store for good.
“I just got tired,” he said. “After 37 years I wanted to give it up.”
Trujillo said he and his wife, Loraine Trujillo, bought the store on State Road 74 in 1972, and operated it together until she died seven years ago. Since then he’s managed it alone, continuing to sell groceries, gas, liquor and tamales from a crock pot on the counter.
Schutz, of Lyden, said he has been interested in buying the store, which he described as a staple of the community, for many years. Schutz said he owns Valley Properties and owned a controlling interest in Valley Abstract and Title Company until he sold it two years ago.
Schutz said rumors have circulated in Chamita about plans for the store. He said he’s heard the pair wants to turn the store into a pool hall or a brothel. Not true, he said.
“We’re not changing a thing,” he said.