Historic Moriarty grocery will close next month May 18, 2011

Mike’s Friendly Store, which has graced Route 66 in Moriarty, N.M., for 62 years, will close for good next month, reported the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Mike Anaya, 82, the longtime operator of the grocery, said it was time to retire.

Anaya said the timing was right for the sale of his liquor license. The building, next to his residence, will be available for lease. His other two Moriarty businesses, El Comedor restaurant and the Best Western Hotel, will continue to operate.

According to a news release, on June 3, Mike’s Friendly Store will reduce prices 20 percent on all merchandise, except for beer and cartons of cigarettes. On June 3, 4 and 5, the store will give away coffee and doughnuts from 9 to 11 a.m., and food and refreshments from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prizes also will be given away.

Mike’s Friendly Store was inducted into the New Mexico Business Hall of Fame in 2006.

UPDATE: Here’s a story from KOB-TV in Albuquerque on the impending closing of Mike’s.