A grocery store doesn't seem like such a big deal unless your community really doesn't have one. 

That's why the grand opening of L & P grocery in Boulder last week brought out a crowd.    

The modern new store is more than three times the size of the former building. At just over 7,000 square feet, it's no mega-store, but it's a big leap forward for Boulder and is getting a lot of local support. It means people will no longer have to drive 35 to 45 minutes to Butte or Helena for the basics.    

Owners Patty and Laurie Vossler say people from Jefferson City and Basin are also stopping by the store. Their seven grandchildren cut the ribbon at opening ceremonies Friday afternoon.

"This is pretty awesome," Laurie Vossler said to the sound of applause.

"In Montana, 98 percent of all businesses are considered small businesses and they employ nearly three quarters of Montana's workforce," said Marin Olson, a spokesperson for Rep. Denny Rehberg.

"And I'm sure that all of us in this community will support this grocery store because it's been needed for years," Jeffery County Commissioner Dave Kirsh said.

"This is like family for me. When we moved to this town, my mom and dad owned that part of the store so I'm really happy to see this expansion and wish you well and you'll see me often and I hope that's the same with the rest of the community," said City Council member Sally Buckles.

"If you look 30 miles down the road either way, we compete with the second and third largest grocery companies in the U.S. as well as the largest corporation in the world in Wal-Mart. In spite of that we still, I marvel at the independent retailers, people like Laurie and Patty who are willing to take the risk and step up and do this," said Kelly Adkins of Associated Foods.

Patty Vossler said she is happy to have so much support and the store has been busy since it first opened about three weeks ago.

- John Sherer reporting for KXLF in Butte