Downtown Monroe’s Star Hardware to close June 30 after decades of service

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - A longtime downtown Monroe staple is preparing to shut its doors for good. Star Hardware, a family-owned business that first opened in 1941, is set to close June 30, marking the end of an era for customers who have relied on the store for parts, tools and advice for generations.

“I have enjoyed every minute of it,” said Frank Anzalone, who has worked at the store for decades and spent 54 years full time behind the counter.

Anzalone said the business was started by his father and uncle, and over the years, the store became a family operation in the truest sense.

“My dad had seven children. My uncle had nine. Everyone of us has worked in this store at one time or another,” Anzalone said. “I was the only one crazy enough to stay here the whole time.”

A store built on service — and a motto customers remember

Star Hardware became known not only for its inventory but for the guidance customers could count on when tackling repairs.

“I always said I’m a MacGyver. I am a problem solver,” Anzalone said. “I love someone to come in and I can figure out what they need.”

The store’s well-known line — “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it” — stuck with customers, Anzalone said, even though there were rare occasions the store couldn’t supply a requested item.

A major setback — and a rebuild

The business faced one of its toughest moments on Christmas Eve 1980, when a fire heavily damaged the store, Anzalone said.

“That was a very trying time in our life,” he said.

Anzalone said the building was later rebuilt next door, and the business continued operating — one of several “fixer-up” challenges the staff worked through over the years.

Retirement ahead

Now 75, Anzalone said he is closing the store after family encouragement to retire while he is still healthy. He said he hopes to spend more time on hobbies — possibly even trying pickleball — but admitted the change will be difficult.

“I will come down here every day for a few days,” Anzalone said. “It is going to be bitter sweet but everything has to come to an end.”

As Star Hardware prepares to close, Anzalone said he’s proud of what the business represented to Monroe.

“Taking care of our customer. Listening to them,” he said. “If they needed something and we didn’t have it, we’d get it for them.”

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This story is part of “What’s Your Story” with Aaron Dietrich. To suggest a future story, email aaron.dietrich@knoe.com.