According to records, one of the early pioneers in the grocery business was A. Young, who owned a stock of goods in the food business. November 23, 1887, he sold his stock to E.E.A. Brunnier and J.H. Brumester. This was shortlived and on December 8, 1887, Brunnier purchased Brumester's interest. He managed the store for many years. The next owners were the Kleespie Brothers, Leo and Henry. In 1928 Frank Ehrichs purchased Leo's interest and the store became Kleespies and Ehrichs. Ehrichs became the sole owner in 1930. This store carried a complete line of general merchandise, dry goods, groceries and meats. Vincent Wehr managed the meat department for Ehrichs, who also had a general merchandise store in Aspinwall. In 1936 Olson Brothers of Audubon purchased the store and it was managed by Herb Groteluschen. December, 1945, Herb purchased the store and operated it under the name of Manning Food Market. Clerks were Lou Bohnsack, Leola Gray and Jack Junge.

The store, located at 324 Main, was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Walt Baker in 1965. To allow for expansion to a growing business, the store was moved to the former Ohde building at 320 Main Street in 1972. After the untimely death of Walter Baker, the store was continued by his wife, Genevieve and son, Ron. They carry a complete line of fresh and frozen foods, staples of all kinds and have an excellent meat department. The clerks at the present time are Fern Ramsey, Minnie Dales, Harold Baker, Charles Laverty and Ralph Grundmeier.

This has been a continuous grocery business since before 1887 and is still a thriving asset to the community.