10/15/2026
Check it out! The article Food, Friends and Family by Jack Brammer in the October edition of Kentucky Monthly Magazine includes a feature about our own Green River Hill Grocery!
There's nothing that stirs memories more than a story about a rural community country store, and Brammer's article features 3 of them including Green River Hill Grocery right here on US31E in the Rio area of northern Hart County. Fall is a beautiful time for the scenic northbound drive along US31E that connects Hart County with nearby Hodgenville and Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park just about 15 miles north of the store.
It's also a delicious stop for visitors headed toward Lynn Camp Launch to paddle past 300 Springs on Green River. And for those traveling southbound, it's a great stop on your way to Mammoth Cave National Park and all of the fun adventures in Hart County.
Our hearts go out to our friends at Green River Hill Grocery after the loss of Tony Wright earlier this year. We continue to show our love for the whole family as they embrace the tradition of the rural country store, the delicious food from their kitchen, the kitschy collectibles at The Junk Shop at Rio , and the bright smiles and welcomes they share with customers, visitors, and friends.
We know you'll want to include a stop on your visit, too. Check out the excerpt about them below, and for the entire article about all three featured businesses go to https://www.kentuckymonthly.com/explore/places/food-friends-and-family
Don't forget to go to kygetaway.com for all the info to plan your Hart County adventure!
GREEN RIVER HILL GROCERY
"It has been a tough year for the Hart County store, which has been open for 75 years. Tony and Rachelle Wright bought the business from a family member in December 2024 and loved cooking and running it.
"But Tony died unexpectedly on July 13 of a blood clot in a lung artery, possibly arising from a bump by a cow a few days earlier. He was 56.
"The Wrights were farm kids who dated after high school and got married on New Year’s Day 1989. They had three children and operated a mobile kitchen while farming.
"Tony worked at the grocery store when he was 14. “He was the happiest when working,” said Rachelle.
"The store closed for a few weeks after Tony’s death, its future uncertain. But the family reopened it in August. Daughter Dara and son Wayne run the business now. “I’m in and out and still involved somewhat,” Rachelle said. “I am their greatest cheerleader.”
"The Wrights take pride in their “comfort food.” Recent additions to the menu include chicken quarters and catfish.
"The store seats 14 diners. Customers can buy basic grocery items, such as bread, fresh meat, flour, canned goods and SKI, a regional soft drink in Western Kentucky with a citrusy flavor.
“We want to keep alive the authenticity of the era of the country store,” Rachelle said. “I think Green River Hill’s future is in good hands. Everyone is welcome.”
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