West Seattle Thriftway is widely known as a happy family of friendly people. 

One of the best known of those folks, is Brian Bixenman, Store Director who will retire early next month. His last day at the store is April 7.

He's been in the grocery business ever since he was 14 working at a market in White Center "with wood shavings on the floor" he said. From there he worked at Larry's Markets (starting at age 15) for 24 years, working his way up to become the Store Director. "I got a weekend off and started here," he said laughing.

That was in 1999.

He's married and had three children, now has five grandchildren. "That's the plan, to spend more time with them."

He plans to do some golfing and since he's never had the time to fish, "I'm going to learn how." 

"I love West Seattle," he said, "and the people."

Steve Kamphaus will take over as Store Director as of April 8.

While no formal party is planned, you can stop by and thank him and wish him well for the next couple of weeks.