K & M Market: A Legacy of Service in Obetz (2025)
If you’re an Obetz resident, you’ve almost certainly stepped foot inside the K & M Market. For decades, it has been more than just a convenience store — it’s been a cornerstone of the community.
History of K & M
The letters “K” and “M” stand for Kelly and Murphy, and the original K & M Market opened in 1975 at the corner of Frebis and Lockbourne. Not long after, a second location was established in Obetz. Joe Groom Jr., a proud Ohio State graduate from the Class of 1973, was already a partner in the business. He fell in love with Obetz and made the decision to purchase the Obetz location outright, eventually moving the store to its current location on Lancaster Avenue in 1991.
Joe Jr. ran the store with integrity and community spirit until his passing in March 2023. He left behind a remarkable legacy — one now carried forward by his sons, Joe Groom III and Kevin Groom.
A Family Business, A Community Staple
Joe III and Kevin proudly carry on their father’s mission. We sat down with them in April 2025, and they couldn’t emphasize enough how much Obetz means to them. “Obetz feels like home,” they said, explaining that the support from the community has fueled both their passion for the business and their desire to give back.
Their everyday goal is simple but powerful: be the ultimate convenience for the people of Obetz. That means always putting the customer first, keeping prices fair, and stocking the items people rely on most.
Why Obetz?
For the Groom family, the answer has always been the people. Obetz has that rare small-town feel — a place where everyone knows your name, where handshakes still matter, and where neighbors look out for one another. Joe Jr. saw that from the beginning, and now his sons carry that same deep appreciation.
They describe the community as hard-working, genuine, and full of heart — the kind of place where a family-run store like K & M can truly thrive.
Proud to Grow Alongside Obetz
Even as Obetz evolves and welcomes new growth, the Groom family sees the sense of connection growing stronger. They believe the direction Obetz is heading has never been more exciting. From the parks and splash pad to the Obetz Athletic Club and Fortress Obetz, the amenities and community investment have helped make Obetz a top-tier place to live, work, and raise a family.
And for K & M, all that growth means more opportunity to serve. The store has grown with the town, and Joe III and Kevin are proud to be part of that momentum.
Community First, Always
One of the most rewarding parts of running K & M, they shared, is seeing familiar faces day in and day out — sometimes from three or even four generations of the same family. From ringing up a customer’s favorite snack to hearing memories shared at the counter, they’re proud to be a daily part of people’s lives.
Whether it’s the excitement of Fortress Fireworks or the buzz of Zucchinifest, the Groom brothers say it’s the community feedback — the stories, the gratitude, the laughs — that keeps them going.
Looking Ahead
As Obetz continues to grow, so does K & M’s commitment. Joe III and Kevin are honored to carry on their father’s legacy while carving their own path forward. One of their newest efforts? Partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build a custom playhouse for a child in need right here in Obetz. Donations for the project are currently being accepted at the store.
Their promise to the community remains unchanged: to serve Obetz with pride, keep shelves stocked with care, and make sure every customer leaves with a smile.