CATLETTSBURG, Ky. — For more than 100 years, Bowling Feed & Hardware has served generations of customers in Catlettsburg, growing alongside the community while remaining rooted in the family-owned business that has defined its history.
The business began in the early 1920s with the Clay family, which operated a grocery store at 3500 Court Street and a feed store across the street, where Bowling Feed & Hardware stands today. By 1924, G.W. Bowling had become the majority owner, and the business operated as Bowling & Clay.
Today, David Bowling owns and operates the business as the fourth generation of his family to carry it forward.
According to Bowling, the business underwent several changes throughout its history. He says during the 1940s, its name changed to G.W. Bowling & Sons and later G.W. Bowling & Son. After returning from World War II in 1946, Arthur Bowling eventually began working at the store alongside a younger brother. By the 1950s, Arthur had become the sole owner, and the business adopted the name Bowling Feed & Hardware.
Following Arthur's death in 1963, his wife, Kathleen, took over the business. After a fire in 1973, she had the current store built, which opened in the spring of 1974. Her son, David Bowling Sr., began managing the store in the late 1970s and purchased the business in 1995. In 2014, David Bowling took over management, eventually becoming the owner and operator.
While the ownership has passed through generations, the business has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of its customers.
“In the early years, the business was primarily feed, seed, and fertilizer. As the area grew and farmland became housing and industrial property, the store had to grow in a different direction too,” said David Bowling.
Today, he says plumbing is the store's largest department, complemented by electrical supplies, hardware, fencing, lawn and garden products, pet supplies, feed and seed.
The store has also expanded its offerings to include concrete steps, propane filling, drainage pipe, septic tanks, water tanks, heating stoves, generators and lawn and farm equipment.
“We’ve kept our roots while giving people more reasons to shop here. You have to keep paying attention to what the community needs,” Bowling said.
The store's broad inventory is one aspect of its continued evolution, but Bowling believes personal service remains central to its relationship with customers.
“People appreciate being able to walk in, ask a question and have somebody help them figure out what they need,” he said.
That commitment to helping customers extends beyond stocking shelves. Bowling remains involved in the store's daily operations, listening to customer requests and adjusting inventory to reflect seasonal needs.
Additionally, he says the business has also updated its checkout and inventory systems, introduced a rewards program that returns 2% to individual customers in coupons, and expanded its use of Facebook and TikTok to showcase products and share information.
“When you shop here, you’re dealing with people who live and work in this community. I’m here running the business, making the buying decisions and listening to customers. If we see a need, we can make a decision right here,” Bowling said.
Beyond retail, Bowling Feed & Hardware has supported local schools, churches and community organizations over the years while providing jobs for area residents. For Bowling, the store's longevity is closely tied to the community that has sustained it.
“The community has kept our doors open for over 100 years, and that support means something to us,” he said.
That commitment also extends to Bowling's other business ventures.
In 2024, he opened Reservoir Hogz BBQ with two partners in Catlettsburg, adding another investment in the community his family has served for generations.
Bowling hopes to see continued growth throughout Catlettsburg, including more buildings put to use and more opportunities for local businesses to succeed.
Looking ahead, he would welcome the possibility of another generation of his family taking over the store, though he wants that decision to remain with his children.
“I have four kids, and they each have their own interests. I’d be proud to see one of them take an interest in carrying the store forward, but I’d want it to be their choice,” he said.
Regardless of what the next generation brings, Bowling wants the business to remain known for the values that have sustained it for more than a century.
“I want people to remember us as a business that worked hard, treated people fairly and cared about the community. Being here for over 100 years is something to be proud of, but we still have to give people a reason to choose us today,” he said.
The store's motto, “Stronger Than Steel, Rooted in Community,” reflects that balance between honoring its history and continuing to serve customers in the present.
Bowling also expressed gratitude to the employees who have helped keep the business running throughout its history and to the customers who continue to support it.
“Every time someone chooses to shop with us, it helps keep a local business and local jobs here in Catlettsburg. I’m proud of our history, and I’m still working to build on it,” he said.
