In May, a new owner took the responsibility of running the locally loved grocery store, leading many to feel uncertain towards the longevity of the market.

Only seven years ago Jarrod Asper, the owner of Southern States in Woodsboro, recalled that the parking lot of Trout’s Market was always full of trucks and tradespeople lining up to grab a bite.

"At lunchtime the deli was always packed — you couldn’t get in down there," Asper said.

Although some of the tan shelves are not fully stocked with commodities, and the lunchtime crowd has dwindled, many residents’ hearts are still stocked with a deep appreciation for Trout’s Market.

It is much more than a brick building in the center of Town. It is one of the strong pillars that keeps Woodsboro from toppling onto the title of "food desert."

Mary Lyles who has lived in Woodsboro for over 50 years expressed that Trout’s Market is her go-to-store. "The most important thing is everybody knows your name" Lyles said. "They all know you, what you like, what you need, and they have what you need."

Over the years, Trout’s Market has changed hands a number of times. Regardless of who has owned it, employee Robert Williams expressed that it has always been there to serve the residents in need.

"There are a lot of older people who live around here, and I think it’s just more convenient," Williams said. "I don't think a lot of people want to run all the way to Walmart in Frederick or to Thurmont."

Resident David Crome, who relies on Trout’s for all his daily needs, echoes William's sentiment.

"The next nearest store is in Walkersville and that’s probably five miles away and this is less than a mile away for me," Crome said. "They also used to not sell beer but now they do and that’s a plus."

For some locals like 67-year-old Sue Wisner who grew up in Woodsboro, the decision to sell beer, has changed Trout’s atmosphere.

"I miss Trout’s Market a lot," Wisner said. "It’s not the same."

Although the current owner of Trout’s was contacted, they declined to make any comments.

Providing locals with a convenient place to shop is not Trout’s Market’s only role. For ten-year employee Cherise Coleman, Trout’s has been a crucial steppingstone in her academic journey.

"I don’t know what I would have done without the job here. It literally helped me get through college," Coleman said. "It helped with little things like paying for my phone and gas."

As Coleman worked towards her doctorate in occupational therapy it did not matter who the owner was, Trout’s was always there for her.

And for people like Lyles, Trout’s Market is what she relies on as she began to find it difficult to cook on her own.

"I love this place," Lyles said. "Older ones like myself, who are too old to cook, can get our good meals here that are cooked and ready to eat."