The torch has been passed at the Irondequoit hardware store.

As of Friday, Black's Hardware at 610 E. Ridge Road is owned by Joe Richmond and Elizabeth Buckner of Webster.

Buckner said that the couple were long-term customers of the store and decided to invest in the company after learning that the 73-year-old company was available for purchase. Earlier this year, former boss Todd Black decided it was time to leave the business he shared with his parents and brother Roger.

Buckner said the two contacted Black on this opportunity earlier this year.

This 3,600 square foot store sells a variety of hardware, tools, and plumbing supplies. Its services include window and screen repair, key cutting, lamp repair and glass cutting.

"The main message we want to share is that we are continuing the tradition of Black's Hardware," Buckner said. She said that although the store has a new owner, it is still the same store with the same level of service.

For many years, this family business has been the place where handymen go when they need to find parts that can't be found anywhere else. As a result, the store flourished, and nearby hypermarkets such as Hechinger, Kmart and Sears closed their doors. Even during the pandemic, business has flourished.

Todd Black's grandfather, David, opened Black's Hardware on Joseph Avenue near D Avenue in 1948. His father Irving took over the company and moved it to Irondequoit in 1972.

Todd Black started helping his father and grandfather in the store as a child, and started working full-time after graduating from high school. A few years later, Roger Black followed the same pattern. For decades, the brothers worked side by side.

This store has appeared in Kodak's national publicity activities, and has expanded its location on Dongling Road twice over the years, in 1986 and 1999.  

Store business hours are currently 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays. Buckner said the store will soon reopen on Saturday and will resume business hours on Tuesday and Thursday.

Contact Victoria Freile at vfreile@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @vfreile and Instagram @vfreile. This kind of report can only be carried out with the support of our readers.