Joseph Thomas Swyers (1876-1965) was the founder of J.T. Swyers Co. Ltd. Joseph, after the death of his father Joe Swyers, being the eldest in the family, was left to provide for his mother and sister. He had saved twenty dollars and went to see Mr. James Ryan, who was the leading merchant in Bonavista at this time. He told Mr. Ryan that he wanted to start a business and asked if he could sell him twenty dollars worth of provisions. Seeing the determination of the boy, Mr. Ryan gave him credit of $120.00 and J.T. Swyers was born on 1892. After the turn of the century, Mr. Swyers erected a building but it was replaced by a bigger one in 1919. By 1920, the company was incorporated. It became the largest firm in Bonavista and one of the largest fish exporting companies in Newfoundland. It was involved in all phases of the fishery, including salmon, cod liver oil, etc., while dried salt cod was its main product.

Most of the original buildings are still in use. The main building still stands as it did 70 years ago. The business has recently joined with the grocery chain SaveEasy to become a state of the art grocery store. It also owns its own hardware store located next to the main building.

The smaller original store, has sice undergone extensive renovations into the top class Harbour Quarters Inn located next to the Ryan Premises.