Outside view of Terry's Food Center in Dysart, IA

Bobby Torres has lived in Texas his whole life, but he looks forward to his new life in the small town of Dysart.

He, his wife Sara and their children have made the big move in order to run the only grocery store in town, Terry’s Food Center.

Katherine Ollendieck, executive director of the Tama County Economic Development Commission, said it took three months to sell the store, which was much less than they expected.

“I think we really anticipated that finding a buyer for the store would be like finding a needle in a haystack,” she said. “And a lot of people looked at the store and a lot of people walked away. A lot of people weren’t prepared to take on this kind of a challenge. And then Bobby and Sara came along.”

Sara Torres grew up in Dysart, working at Terry’s Food Center her junior and senior year of high school.

Bobby Torres, new store owner of Terry's Food Center in Dysart, IA

Ollendieck said the community is thrilled to have a resident return with her husband and family. She mentioned that she is excited to see where the store will go under the new ownership after 50 years of being owned by the Trunck family.

“In 90 days of working with this guy, I have absolutely no doubts he’s going to take this store to whole new level. It’s going to be exciting to watch,” Ollendieck said.

Torres will officially take over on Wednesday, though he has already been busy getting to know people.

He noted that Ollendieck has been a big help throughout the transition.

“This town is so lucky to have her and I’m so lucky I got to meet her,” Torres said. “And she’s going to be with me throughout the whole process so that makes me feel really comfortable. I don’t feel like we’re going to have a problem doing what we need to do to make sure this place stays open.”

Katherine Ollendieck (left), Tama County Economic Development Director and Bobby Torres (right), new owner of Terry's Food Center in Dysart, IA

He has many plans for his new business, including bringing Texas barbecue to the store. Torres has barbecued for around 25 years now and is bringing in a smoker that he designed. In the coming weeks, he will take samples around to the surrounding businesses.

Torres also plans to paint, put in a new sign and paint a pig on the side of the building to symbolize the barbecue and the town of Dysart. The deli hours will be extended, with closing time at 8 p.m. instead of 1 p.m.

Perhaps the biggest change will be the name.

“I’m changing the name to Bobby’s, but I’m going to wait until I meet every single person in the community so that when I do it they’ll understand why and they’ll support me when I do,” Torres said.

He is dedicated to becoming a part of the Dysart community and said he said he has already met many community members who have encouraged him to change the name.

Torres has a history of running businesses, working for Cheddar’s, Olive Garden and Bone Daddy’s in Texas.

“Owning my own business has always been a dream of mine,” he said.

Torres mentioned it is difficult to own a business in Austin, Texas, and he looks forward to the perks of small town life. With the change in pace, he plans to have more downtime to spend with this family.

“I saw the chance for me to slow down my life and actually spend time with my kids,” Torres said.