We're all familiar with the grocery store chains which reign supreme in our modern era. But, before Walmart dominated every corner and Kroger amassed its conglomeration of close to 3,000 stores under 28 different brand names.
We can't dive into America's grocery archives without discussing the once all-powerful Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company—more popularly known as A&P.
"America's Showplace of Good Values," known by its store name Food Fair, once ruled the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the country.
The first self-serve Jitney Jungle opened up in Jackson, Mississippi in 1919, and some may remember the store's iconic slogan "Save a Nickel on a Quarter".
For this one, we must travel even further back in time to Chicago circa 1899. This is where National Tea Company (or NATCO) was born, and where it sold much more than just tea despite its misleading name.
The chain Alpha-Beta got its name from the way groceries were organized in its stores: alphabetically.
Grand Union was founded in the "Electric City" of Scranton, Pennsylvania (any fans of "The Office" out there?) And, for a time, its growth really was electric.
If you're a longtime Chicago native the name Dominick's might drag up memories you didn't know you had of a bold red and green Italian-esque storefront.