Jim Davis and his wife, Debbie, moved to Vernal from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in March 1988, according to a January 1, 2026, post by the Vernal Chamber of Commerce. At the time of their arrival in 1988, their two sons, CJ and Leere, were four and two years old, respectively. As the years progressed, both sons joined their parents in the family business, and the document published on January 1, 2026, notes that both boys were taking an active role as owners of the family-owned business.
The grocery stores located in Vernal and Roosevelt were formerly operated as Safeway and Farmer Jack grocery stores. Upon purchasing these stores, Jim and Debbie Davis converted them into IGA Super Centers. According to the January 1, 2026, Chamber of Commerce post, the family changed the name of the business several times over the 34 years of owning the grocery business, largely due to circumstances that were out of their hands. A few years ago, the family made the decision to put their own name on the business to assure the communities that they plan to continue servicing customers for years to come.
After settling in the community, the family immediately joined the Chamber of Commerce in both Vernal and Roosevelt to recognize the value of community involvement. They also encouraged their employees to get involved in the community and to volunteer in organizations and activities that interested them. While the IGA motto was and remains "Hometown Proud," the January 1, 2026, document states that although Davis Food and Drug is no longer affiliated with IGA, the family has never abandoned that philosophy. The Davis family has continued to encourage management teams at Davis Food and Drug to carry forward a way of life involving participating, giving, and contributing to the community where they live and work. In turn, these management teams encourage store associates to do the same.
As a result of these community ties, the stores have participated in various events. The January 1, 2026, source lists several community events that Davis has sponsored, including the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo, the Storytelling Festival, the Mayors Halloween Walk, the Hotel Vernal Haunt, Dina-Soar Days, and the Dino Marathon. Additionally, the stores have served as the pickup and drop off location for Santa's Community Effort through the Rotary Club. To assist customers in an ever-changing world, the Davis family has consistently tried new technology and sales events to find ways to interact with and help customers have a pleasant shopping experience, according to the January 1, 2026, publication.
What this means for Vernal
For the people of Vernal, the presence of the Davis family since 1988 represents a long-standing connection to local commerce. By transitioning from large chains to a family-named business, the family has maintained a focus on community involvement and local sponsorship, supporting various festivals and community efforts throughout the region.
