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Tampa paint store marks 85 years of business, making friends

Tanner Paint in Tampa is celebrating 85 years in business with a party and a pig roast.
Credit: Chong, Loo
Henry Dutton, third from left, began Tanner Paint in 1933.

TAMPA, Fla. -- Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's pop up then disappear from neighborhoods all across the country.

But owners of a locally-owned, small paint store in Tampa is celebrating 85 years in business with a party and a pig roast. Tanner Paint on Gardenia Avenue was founded in 1933.

Steven Tanner told us his grandfather Henry Dutton began the business, and his father took over after World War II.

What is the secret to the store's longevity?

"Our secret to success is keeping on," said Jett Tanner, "and it is always being true to your customers."

"It feels like home when you walk in," said customer Kevin Schmidt. "It's kind of like the old TV 'Cheers,' where everybody knows your name."

Walker Tanner, the fourth generation of the family to work in the store, echoes the "Cheers" sentiment.

"They become part of your family," he said. "To be 85 years, to be four generations, to be doing the same thing ... it's very unique. It's pretty special."

The owner reminded our photographer that they were the ones who re-painted the 10News station a few years ago.

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