The current building- simply called “The Store at Heaton”- was built and first operated by J.D. Ellis in 1936. He eventually sold it to the Heatons, and Jim Heaton, Sr., ran the business for about 20 years, 1978 to the late 1990s. Over the years it has been the only place for locals, tourists and commuting workers to buy gas, groceries, snacks and sundries on that stretch of road. During that time, many people simply pointed to that store when referring to the community of Heaton. Yet, even that enterprise closed its doors in 2005, when the Heaton family decided not to keep the business going. Now Headwaters at Banner Elk has revitalized the store and gas station making it a unique gift shop and grocery mart for travelers going to and from Tennessee.
