HUNT — Floodwaters tore through the Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, destroying much of the Hunt Store in Hunt, Texas. The property served as a hub for recovery efforts in the days following the flood.

The Hunt Store dates back to 1946. John Dunn and Vikki Dunn bought the establishment in 2013. "It was the one-stop shop. It had fuel, banking, groceries, food. People would leave packages here. Everybody came through the Hunt Store," Vikki Dunn said. John Dunn added, "The store became the anchor of the Hunt community. It's the only year-round, consistent food, fuel and community gathering space."

The Hunt Store's iconic front doors, stone fireplace, and several massive cypress tables survived the flood. Community members created the slogan "Hunt Strong" using letters salvaged from the damaged store sign. "Those walls are what identify the Hunt Store. The Hunt Store is what is most identifiable to Hunt," Vikki Dunn said. "The tentacles, as my wife likes to say, reach literally around the world. Campers come from all over the country. People have a connection to this place that lasts a lifetime," John Dunn said.

"You're not the owner. You're the steward. Take care of the store. Take care of the community," John Dunn said. He characterized the property's role during the disaster, stating, "This was really the command center for flood recovery."