My story begins in 1903. That was the year generation one, my great grandparents, opened the first Well’s Grocery in downtown Brighton. At that time, Brighton was quite different, a hotel, a creamery, hardware store, a bank, and a couple of grocery stores. I remember the wooden floors, pot belly stoves, and the groceries on shelves behind the counters. Coal, kerosene, harness, feed for animals, groceries, and meats could be found in the early retail stores. Closed on Sundays and half days on Wednesdays, life was simple.
The second generation was my Grandaddy Verlie Wells. During grandaddy’s lifetime he moved the store to Main Street. Purchasing a farm on Jack Bennett Road, Grandaddy began raising cattle, hogs, and large gardens. All of these things made their way to Wells General Store in Brighton. We had our own meat packing plant where we learned the art of selling meat. Salted meats, smoked hams, fresh meats, and our famous Wells Sausage were sold and taken to homes all across America. Grandaddy Verlie died in 1953, I was only one at the time.
The third generation was Uncle Whit Wells, Uncle Bob Wells, and my parents, Arnold and Louise Vandergrift. One store grew to eight, the meat processing plant was expanded, added a hardware store, and added three restaurants. Uncle Whit taught me the art of cutting meat while my daddy taught me the grocery business and my mother instilled in me the importance of discipline. The last Wells store closed in 2007.
The fourth generation consists of myself, my sister Vannice, my brother Bryan, and many cousins. As stores were sold, family moved on in other directions. Bryan and Vannice were loyal to the end when the last store closed in 2007. Vannice took over Well’s Kitchen and Bryan joined the Fastimes Management team.
Fastimes was started in 1991 when Caren and I purchased the first Fastimes on Hwy 14 from the Stafford family. In 1995 we remodeled and added on to the existing store. Business was good and in 2000 I brought n my future partner, Ric Morris, to help me manage Fastimes #1. In 2001 we added on to the store a second time and in 2004 Ric and I created a partnership opening up Fastimes #2 in Atoka. Our opportunities have since continued to grow with the opening of #3 in Brighton in 2007, #4 in Covington in 2010, and #5 in Munford in 2015.
Mine and Ric’s passion to serve the public has never wavered and we realize that without our customers we are just an empty building. Our prayer is that in everything we do, we bring honor and glory to our lord.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.
Now it is time for the fifth generation. Ric and Leighs son, Jake Morris joined the Fastimes group in 2012 and mine and Caren’s daughters Joelle May and Valerie Carver will continue the Wells family. In 2010 Connie King partnered with Ric and I at #4 in Covington and Barrett McClerkin partnered with #1 store On hwy 14.
Ric and I believe the future looks promising, keep up the passion!!!
Sincerely,
Jimmy Vandergrift
We currently have five locations throughout Tipton County to better serve you.
Fastimes #1
6971 Hwy 14 South
Brighton Tn 38011
901-476-1670
Fastimes #2
2022 Rosemark Rd
Atoka Tn 38004
901-837-3407
Fastimes #3
1020 Old Hwy 51
Brighton TN 38011
901-476-8040
Fastimes #4
101 Hwy 51N
Covington TN 38019
901-475-4121
Fastimes #5
15903 Hwy 51
Atoka TN 38004
901-837-8924
