Origin Story: Schnuck's Grocery

Have you ever wondered about the history of your local grocery store? Well, you’ll probably rush to find out after reading the awesome story of Schnuck’s Grocery. Check out this article to learn about the founders and their love for potato salad and excellent customer service.

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If you go into a grocery store, you may not think about how it started. However, after hearing this story, you might just start to think about grocery shopping a little differently. Schnuck’s Grocery has impressed and inspired us, and we’re guessing it will have the same effect on you.

Barely yet recovered from the Great Depression, Edwin Schnuck started his very first meat business in 1937, the same year the Golden Gate Bridge was finally completed and “Daffy Duck'' premiered. Initially, Edwin’s meat business was mostly wholesale and predominantly headquartered in his family’s home kitchen.

During this time, his wife, Anna, was also cooking up something special. She was making the best potato salad her family and neighbors had ever tasted. The couple soon decided it was too delicious to keep to themselves. Thus, their ambition to start Schnuck’s Grocery began with the desire to share Anna’s impressive home cooking with the world.

Two years after starting their first meat business, Edwin and Anna, along with their sons, Don and Ed, opened the very first Schnuck’s Grocery store. It wasn’t long before the store developed a reputation for excellence both in products and friendliness. Based on the success of the store, it seems as though the community in North St. Louis spread the word around pretty quickly about Anna’s potato salad and coleslaw along with the business’ excellent service.

Less than 10 years later, the family had opened several locations. Now with many more locations, the company continues to grow under the leadership of Don Schnuck’s six children. According to Schnuck’s, “it all started with potato salad.”

Here at Penny Mustard, we love a good origin story – especially when it involves a family business. Check out our own story here.

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