Norm's IGA - Kearny, Arizona's Hometown Grocery Since 1973
Family-owned. Hometown Proud. More than fifty years serving Kearny and the surrounding Communities.
Our Story
Norm’s IGA is a family-owned, independent grocery store in Kearny, Arizona, owned and operated by Norm and Myra Warren. The store first opened in 1973 as Gordon’s IGA, and it has served Kearny from the same location ever since. That makes it one of the longest-running hometown grocers in the area.
From Gordon’s IGA to Norm’s IGA
Gordon Reay opened Gordon’s IGA in Kearny in 1973. Around 1974, the store became one of the charter members of IGA Arizona.
That same year, a young Norm went to work for Gordon. He left for college in 1976 and came back to the store in 1977. Over the next decade he worked in almost every department, becoming Store Director in the mid-1980s.
In 2015, Gordon Reay retired and sold the store to Norm and Myra Warren. They renamed it Norm’s Hometown Grocery (Norm’s IGA). Before long, locals were calling it “Norm’s IGA & Myra’s Too.” Norm and Myra still own and run the store together today, alongside Store Manager Sondra Lane.
For Norm, that’s more than fifty years at this one location.
Our Timeline
- 1973: Gordon Reay opens Gordon’s IGA in Kearny, Arizona
- Circa 1974: Gordon’s IGA becomes a charter member of IGA Arizona
- 1974: Norm starts working at Gordon’s IGA
- 1976–1977: Norm leaves for college, then returns to the store
- Mid-1980s: Norm becomes Store Director
- 2015: Gordon retires; Norm and Myra buy the store and rename it Norm’s Hometown Grocery (Norm’s IGA)
- Today: Still family-owned and operated as Norm’s IGA & Myra’s Too
A Walk Through Ray, Sonora Barcelona History
Norm’s IGA is more than a grocery store. Myra has spent years collecting and displaying photos and artifacts for her Ray, Sonora Barcelona History Collection, and she loves giving tours. The collection includes historic photos of stores and service stations from nearby Sonora, like El Fenix and Gabe & Sons, the service station owned by Myra’s grandparents, Gabe & Antonia Avenetti. You’ll also find images of the underground mine tunnels and railroad at Ray, an Our Heroes wall honoring local veterans and service members, and a vintage Chevron gas pump. The pump is one of the original pumps from Gabe & Sons, which Myra was able to purchase from a local collector. Stop by, grab your groceries, and take a walk through the past.
What We’re Known For
- Quality Meats: Cut fresh daily by our in-store butchers
- Farm-Fresh Produce: A wide variety of fruits and vegetables
- Bakery & Deli: Fresh-baked breads and custom cakes
- Weekly Savings: New deals every week
Myra's Ray, Sonora Barcelona History Collection
FAQ
Who owns Norm’s IGA in Kearny, AZ? Norm and Myra Warren own and operate Norm’s IGA. They bought the store from founder Gordon Reay in 2015.
When did Norm’s IGA open? The store opened in 1973 as Gordon’s IGA and has been at the same Kearny location ever since.
What was Norm’s IGA called before? It was Gordon’s IGA, founded by Gordon Reay. In 2015 it was renamed Norm’s Hometown Grocery (Norm’s IGA). Locals also call it “Norm’s IGA & Myra’s Too.”
Is Norm’s IGA locally owned? Yes. It’s a family-owned, independent grocery store and part of the IGA network of hometown grocers.
How long has Norm worked at the store? Norm started in 1974 and has worked at this location for more than fifty years, including as Store Director since the mid-1980s.
Can I see local history at Norm’s IGA? Yes. Myra’s Ray, Sonora Barcelona History Collection features historic mining-town photos and artifacts, and she gives tours.
