Category Archives: Grocery markets

B&Z Pastry Shop

Posted on August 18, 2024 by editor

Neither Viktor Benesch nor Dan Zeigler stayed in Springfield all that long. But their wedding cakes, cookies, pastries and whipped-cream cakes were local fixtures for 50-plus years. Benesch and Zeigler donated their initials to the B&Z Pastry Shop. More importantly, … Continue reading →

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Kroger grocery stores

Posted on June 11, 2024 by editor

On Dec. 13, 1928, two men, one carrying a revolver, entered the Kroger grocery at 12th Street and South Grand Avenue in Springfield.  They forced employees and a 15-year-old customer into a back room.  When the boy lagged behind, he … Continue reading →

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Piggly Wiggly/Eisner grocery stores

Posted on August 6, 2023 by editor

“The Pig” sold its last pork chop on Nov. 11, 1951. That was the date when Springfield’s 11 Piggly Wiggly stores became Eisner Food Stores. “Frankly, we shall feel a measure of relief in being no longer referred to as … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Grocery markets, Prominent figures | 3 Comments

171 Springfield grocery stores, 1917 (list)

Posted on March 20, 2022 by editor

In February 1917, Quaker Oats partnered with Pettijohn’s Breakfast Food (Pettijohn’s made a wheat bran cereal that, like oatmeal, needed to be cooked) to offer a deal to Springfield households: anyone who sent in trademarks from the two cereals could … Continue reading →

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A&P supermarkets

Posted on October 14, 2019 by editor

A&P was the first grocery chain to label its Springfield stores “supermarkets.” One A&P on South Grand Avenue was converted to the supermarket concept in April 1940. A second A&P at Fifth and Mason streets was the first local store … Continue reading →

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First self-service grocery (1918), first supermarket (1940)

Posted on October 14, 2019 by editor

The opening of Springfield’s first self-service grocery in March 1918 meant lower prices – thanks to the layoffs of three clerks. The innovator was Moran Market on the northwest corner of Eighth and Washington streets, whose manager, Clyde McElroy, announced … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Grocery markets | 10 Comments

Gottschalk Grocery

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

“The name Gottschalk has been synonymous in Springfield with quality foods,” the Illinois State Register proclaimed in 1924, when Gottschalk’s grocery celebrated 35 years in business at College Avenue and Edwards Street. At the time, in addition to basic staples, … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Grocery markets, Historic Sites, National Register | 6 Comments