Mike's Friendly Store, an institution in Moriarty for 62 years, will shut its doors next month.

Mike Anaya, an older brother of former Gov. Toney Anaya, was 19 when he opened the store in June 1949 with his sister and brother-in-law, Manuelita "Cookie" and Owen Konz.

Mike Anaya eventually took over the grocery along what once was Route 66 with the help of his wife, Mary, his brother Ralph and his eight children.

"We've been in business 62 years, and I have enjoyed every minute of it," Anaya said. "I turned 82 this year, and Mary thinks it's time for me to retire and start working on that list she started 56 years ago."

Anaya said the timing was right for the sale of his liquor license. The building, next to his residence, will be available for lease. His other two Moriarty businesses, El Comedor restaurant and the Best Western Hotel, will continue to operate.

According to a news release, on June 3, Mike's Friendly Store will reduce prices 20 percent on all merchandise, except for beer and cartons of cigarettes. On June 3, 4 and 5, the store will give away coffee and doughnuts from 9 to 11 a.m., and food and refreshments from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prizes also will be given away.

At one time the only store in Moriarty, the grocery also has sold hardware, clothes and feed. In the old days, Anaya often bartered for sheep pelts, eggs or cream.

Mike's Friendly Store has had up to 30 employees at times. Currently, there are 10 employees, three of whom have worked there for more than 30 years.

"We probably have had over 1,000 kids work for us," Anaya said. "Many of them were also involved in extracurricular school activities, and we would also try to accommodate their schedules to ensure they wouldn't miss those special times. ...

"As it says on the sign on the front of the store, we always tried to be friendly and have good service, and this was the basis on which we built this successful business."