MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - From one family to another. The famous A. Schwab store on Beale Street now has a new set of owners.
The store has a fascinating history. It weathered a yellow fever outbreak, the Great Depression, and riots during the civil rights movement. Fans of the store can rest easy knowing it's in good hands.
Elliot Schwab has been the general manager of the store for more than 30 years. His great grandfather founded the business in 1876.
One hundred of the years from the store's 135-year run were spent on Beale Street, where the store carved a niche for itself selling everything from the common to the quirky.
Elliot recalls, "During the depression we somehow got a hold of a bunch of chickens and we had them in the show window."
Terry Saunders is one of the new owners and says while they're not planning on selling poultry anytime soon, they do plan on selling local art and making A. Schwab an information hub for local attractions, such as "everything from Stax and Sun and Graceland to the Crystal Grotto and the Elmwood Cemetery and obscure blues locations."
All that while maintaining the Southern style and flair that A. Schwab is known for. Terry and her husband have been fans for years. "It's a store we both love, our children love and I think the city loves," she said.
Schwab added, "I think it's a good run. I think we did good. Now comes the fun part - let them run it the next 135 years!"
