Murphy’s Q.P. Store is closing its doors soon
by. Marlenia Thornton
Murphy’s Q.P. Store has been a staple in northeast Lincoln for nearly 60 years, but the owner says he’s ready for a change.
Owner Steve Murphy started working at Murphy’s Q.P. Store near 48th and Holdrege Streets with his father back in late 60s as a teen. That’s when his father first bought it.
“He said would you like to work on Saturdays. I said sure. Saturdays turned into everyday since,” Steve Murphy said.
Murphy’s days working the store are now numbered, because he’s shutting it down soon. He says business is great, but he’s ready to relax after working there for almost 50 years.
The 62–year–old says customer service is the greatest thing he learned from his father.
Aside from the great inventory, customers say it’s the friendly environment that makes this store unique. Longtime shopper duane delay agrees.
“They’re always friendly and helpful. They always make you feel wanted,” Duane Delay said.
Murphy also owned Tastee In and Out, which is also next door. It closed last year.
He has served many generations of families. He says they’ve become like his, which is one of the biggest things he’ll miss.
“It sounds like a cliché, but I am going to miss the people, the interaction with the public, all the friends I made,” Murphy said.
His friends will miss him too.
“it’s going to be a bummer. I’ll miss it. I know a lot of people around here is going to miss it, ” Al Hill said.
Murphy says there isn’t an official closing date. He is planning for sometime in April when his inventory is smaller.
