A change in services at a longtime Jefferson City business marks the end of an era for some who still enjoyed Central Dairy products delivered to their front porch weekly.
Central Dairy, owned by Prairie Farms since 2007, notified customers by letter in early January that it was ceasing its Jefferson City home delivery route.
The Jefferson City dairy had been delivering products to local residents' homes since 1933.
"It was a tough decision for us," said General Manager Chris Hackman. "I've had some people that have been on the route for 54 years. It's been nice, but unfortunately, we did have to make the decision and it's something we couldn't sustain anymore."
The Jefferson City home delivery route was Prairie Farms' last one in the Mid-Missouri area after stopping the service in Columbia about five years ago, Hackman said.
Central Dairy's range of products is available at all local grocery stores - a solace for former home-delivery customers who want to continue buying the brand, as well as a contributing factor in the decision to stop home delivery.
"Over the years, if you look at the average, you have more people that are more cost-conscious and looking to buy it at the store rather than paying a premium to have it delivered to the home," Hackman said.
Some local stores have added call-ahead shopping and home-delivery services in recent years, offering another option for people who want to continue having products delivered, the customer letter noted.
Hackman also said Central Dairy's home delivery program was down to two employees, who both had decided to take other jobs.
Know of any business happenings around Jefferson City? Let us know at [email protected].