In the heart of Pearland, tucked between an expanding commercial corridor along FM 518 and new residential communities along Magnolia Street, is a remnant of a bygone era in the city's history.
The store sells animal feed for chickens, goats and horses as well as grain-free dog and cat food.[/caption]D&D Feed Store, which was established in 1989, is an old wooden storefront and warehouse that straddles Manvel Road. The feed store is the last business of its kind in Pearland.
“[Patrons] like the way it smells; it reminds them of their childhood,” owner Debby Shawhan said. “That’s what I hear all the time.”
The store sells tons of animal feed every month to residents from around Pearland and northern Brazoria County, including feed for horses, goats and chickens. Shawhan said horse feed has more than double in her 28 years of business.
“I used to do 25 tons a week but not since ’08,” Shawhan said. “People can’t afford horses. I do more chicken feed now than I used to because everyone has backyard flocks.”
D&D Feed Store’s original location was on the corner of Manvel Road and FM 518 where the Food Town Shopping Center now stands. In 1997, the store moved to its current location, which was built by Shawhan’s friend.
However, as times have changed—along with the demographics of Pearland—D&D Feed Store has dedicated an increasing amount of its shelf space to lawn and garden care products as well as pet food for cats, dogs, fish and even squirrels.
“I sell a little bit of everything,” Shawhan said.
Pet owners from around the Greater Houston area and Alvin make the drive to Shawhan’s store for the grain-free dog food that she keeps in stock.
Additionally, Shawhan sells horse tack like reins and halters alongside pet collars and leashes—another sign of the times.
Just as D&D Feed Store has weathered through the changes, Shawhan, a 40-year resident of Pearland, has seen the city change from a small agricultural town where residents could be seen on horseback to a busy urban center with car-clogged roads.
“It’s just so much different,” Shawhan said. “I’ve been here since 1977. When I came out here, there was no [Hwy.] 288 … that’s a big change.”
Although feed stores are a dwindling breed, Shawhan enjoys seeing her longtime customers and connecting with new ones.
“I love the people,” Shawhan said. “I love talking to people. I don’t make a lot of money, but it’s a lot of fun.” D&D Feed Store 2908 Manvel Road, Pearland 281-485-6645 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Sundays
Supplies at D&D Feed Store
Animal feed
- Bird
- Cat
- Chicken
- Dog
- Fish
- Goat
- Horse
- Squirrel
Stocked shelves
- Garden supplies
- Hay
- Lawn care
- Pool care
- Shavings
- Tack