Sunset Country and Western Coming to a Close

The 75th Homestead Rodeo hosted large crowds for the annual event, with near-perfect weather for the weekend. Many attendees either wore, or at one time bought, attire from the Sunset Country & Western Store that has been part of Homestead for fifty-three years.

Although the original store, founded by Tucker Townsend in 1970, was downtown on Krome Avenue as Sunset English and Western Wear, most people are familiar with the location on Old Dixie Highway.

The “Sunset family business” was started by Robbie and Melverna Addison in 1960 with Sunset Feed & Supply in Kendall. Granddaughter Heather Riera explained, “They retired in 1991, and at that time, my father, Tucker Townsend, bought and took over Sunset Feed.”

Townsend, of course, had different employees for the stores, and Jeff Butt took a job that he probably did not anticipate becoming a career. “I started working for Tucker at the Homestead location straight out of high school, unloading trucks and sweeping floors,” he wrote in an email exchange.

“My Wife Ana started working there in 1987, and we never left. Tucker Townsend was a great man and taught us the business, and we grew with the business. In July 2001, Tucker sold us the store along with OK Feed & Supply in the Redlands. We have been very blessed with outstanding employees every step of the way. Another blessing has been our daughter Kathryn Ann, who has been running the store’s day-to-day operations for the last 12 years. So, after 43 years of working, and 23 years of ownership, we have decided to retire.”

The store will be closing, and the following message conveys the years of proud ownership: “To our Friends and Loyal Customers...It has been a pleasure for Sunset Country & Western Store to serve your business needs as our Homestead lotion for the past 53 years. We have decided to retire, hang up our spurs, and take it easy. After years of serving those who rode in, we will be riding off into the Sunset! So we will be closing the store very shortly, after selling off our remaining inventory at up to 50% (half) off. It is a good time to buy those Duds for the Rodeo. Thank you for your support over the years. You have been the key to our success!!! With sincere gratitude, Ana & Jeff Butt.”

Sunset Feed and Supply in Kendall is as popular as ever, however, with the Townsend sisters, Heather Riera and Tara Townsend, in charge. They bought the store from their father when he retired.

A longtime member of the Homestead Rodeo Association, Townsend supported and sponsored the rodeo for decades. Their booth was once again on-site at the rodeo, and they have plans to maintain the tradition.