Timeline
William Kirkconnell came to the Caribbean from Scotland before 1840 by courtesy of the Royal Navy, becoming shipwrecked off the coast of Cuba. At the time he was shipwrecked it was customary for British ships on their return to the UK to stop at Grand Cayman for fresh turtle meat for the crew.
William, therefore, took the Caymanian schooner from Cuba to Cayman to wait for a ship back to Britain. While waiting he worked for the Caymanians who were building boats and was persuaded to stay. He returned to Scotland to collect his wife Jane and resumed sailing between Cayman and Honduras.
Opened, a supermarket and wholesaler on Cardinall Avenue selling watches, diamond rings, perfume, shoes, linen, food, furniture, refrigerators, lawnmowers, and even cars!
Captain Eldon started Kirk Freeport, specialising in duty-free and luxury items, and turning over the day to day management of Kirk Plaza to Captain Charles.
A year later in 1974 Kirk Brothers constructed a new complex on Eastern Avenue for Wholesale Grocery, Home Centre, Lumber and Heavy Hardware.
Kirk Supermarket underwent a brand and name change and is now called Kirk Market.