In a city where skyscrapers rise, neighborhoods evolve, and trends come and go, one Jacksonville institution has remained delightfully unchanged in all the right ways. Standard Feed & Seed — purveyor of poultry, garden dreams, roasted peanuts, and the pimento cheese that launched a thousand sandwiches — celebrated its 80th Anniversary this year and held an “eggstravaganza” benefiting GWJax to celebrate.
On Saturday, April 18th the community flocked (yes, flocked) to the store at 1236 Kings Road, and enjoyed giveaways, inflatables, balloons, face painting, free hotdogs, Azar sausages, and beverages. But the real star of the show? A rooster with rock‑star hair.
Enter Sir Rod the Rooster — Jacksonville’s Feathered Celebrity
Sir Rod, whose crest bears an uncanny resemblance to Rod Stewart’s iconic hairstyle, strutted his stuff in the infamous Chicken Poop Bingo fundraiser. His “performances” have raised more than $20,000 for local charities over the past decade, proving that sometimes the most unlikely heroes have feathers.
Groundwork Jacksonville, CEO Kay Ehas said, “We’re thrilled to be part of the celebration for this family-owned landmark along the Emerald Trail S‑Line. Standard Feed & Seed isn’t just a store — it’s a slice of Jacksonville charm where locals, trail users, and the occasional rooster all feel right at home.”
A Love Story Hatched in Aisle 3
Sir Rod’s influence extends beyond philanthropy. According to owner Frank Wallmeyer, the rooster even played matchmaker.
Two years ago, Drew and Tynessa Polisner crossed paths at a Standard Feed & Seed event — he with friends, she exploring her new neighborhood. One round of Chicken Poop Bingo later, a spark ignited. Fast forward through two years of blooming love, a baby named Parker Orion (now 10½ months old), and a wedding on March 14, 2026, where — naturally — Chicken Poop Bingo made a cameo during “cocktail” hour. A love story for the ages, courtesy of a rooster with attitude.
A Store Rooted in History — and Seeds
Standard Feed & Seed opened on April 1, 1946, when brothers John and Bill Moore launched their new venture on Myrtle Avenue and Kings Road. Their first day brought in $400 — not bad for April Fool’s Day.
Back then, Jacksonville was surrounded by cattle ranches, dairy farms, and horse properties. The Moore brothers supplied the seeds, feed, and essentials that kept local agriculture thriving. After a visit to the 1960 New York World’s Fair, they even invented the “Seedteria” — a cafeteria-style seed bar where customers could scoop “a little of this and a little of that.” The name was trademarked, the idea was brilliant, and the Seedteria became a local legend.
The store changed hands in 1990, eventually landing with Frank and Mary Pat Wallmeyer in 2018. Frank insists he’s not the owner but the steward of a Jacksonville treasure. “I love hearing, ‘My grandparents used to bring me here,’” he says. “We are blessed to have really loyal, lifelong customers as well as new folks that discover us all the time.”
From Cattle Feed to Backyard Chickens
As Jacksonville grew, so did Standard Feed & Seed’s offerings. Today, the store caters to backyard gardeners, hobby farmers, and anyone who has ever thought, Maybe I should raise chickens. With more than 150 varieties of seeds, specialty feeds (including for kangaroos — yes, kangaroos), and a parade of biddies, ducks, rabbits, and guinea pigs, the store remains a wonderland for the curious.
And let’s not forget the famous roasted peanuts and pimento cheese, the latter of which is now used in Azar sausage — a delicious collaboration between two Jacksonville originals.
Still Standing, Still Serving, Still Charming
After relocating in 2011 to 1236 Kings Road — without missing a single day of business — Standard Feed & Seed continues to embody old-school Americana. Murals, exposed ductwork, tools on the walls, and the unmistakable scent of fresh feed create an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
Eighty years later, it remains a place where neighbors gather, gardeners dream, and stories — sometimes even love stories — take root.
