GAFFNEY – When Annie Yelton opened Boston Annie’s, she didn’t know what to expect.

The soup, salad and sandwich shop was something special for Gaffney’s customers. There is no fried food, everything is made fresh in the shop every day. She has enjoyed every minute of her work, even though she has had to overcome challenges like the necessary repairs last year.

Seven years after opening, the store is now for sale. It’s not really what Yelton wanted. She had planned to keep the business running indefinitely. Due to health issues, Yelton has decided to sell the business. The store closed in June after she injured her back while picking up a 25-pound bag of sugar. It reopened in early August. In the meantime, she’s had a few takers, but no sale has been made yet.

Both the store and the building at 416 Wall Street near downtown are for sale. The landlord has agreed to sell the building together, Yelton said.

The store opened on October 5, 2017, after Yelton won the Gaffney Main Street Challenge. The competition provides funding to cover startup costs to businesses that commit to at least one year. Limestone University students have been an integral part of the store since it opened, working in the kitchen and cash register and participating in internships the university has offered at the company.

“The students have been with me for years,” Yelton said. “I’ve taught them every aspect of the business. Without the college students, I would be lost.”

There is even a student-inspired menu board on the wall with their favorite dishes.

When Kevin Collins started working at the store in 2021, he knew it was a perfect fit for him. Collins recently graduated from Limestone. He interned at the store in 2023. He is still working at the store this summer.

“I just like how we all work together,” Collins said. “Everyone always knows what’s going on. Sometimes we get really busy when we’re making batches of sandwiches.”

His favorite sandwiches include the Cuban and the French Dip. He made several sandwiches for customers while working at the store on Aug. 22. Collins knows there will likely be changes, but he’s confident whoever buys the business will keep it as is.

Yelton hasn’t ruled out working at the store again. She’d love to work at the cash register. Yelton just can’t lift as much as she used to. Her back has been giving her spasms for years and she plans to have back surgery soon. If a buyer is found, Yelton will stay at the store for 60 days during the transition period.

She created great memories.

“It’s such a great community,” Yelton said. “I love it. Over the years, more and more people have joined us. We’ve all gotten to know each other and talked a lot.”

In May 2023, the store was forced to temporarily close when a water heater broke. It reopened five months later. At the time, it was just another hurdle for Yelton to overcome, but with the support of the community, she made it through.

After the sale, when she’s no longer in the store every day, she’ll miss spending time with her customers the most. She’s grateful for all the support she’s received since the beginning.

Boston Annie’s is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.