Jerry's Foodland

Jerry’s Foodland History
It was 1960 when 24 year old Jerry Rich and his wife Lillian purchased Central Market, renting a 1700 square foot building that stood next door to a 3500 square foot A & P in downtown Sandusky. Just a few months later, A & P moved its store to the east side of town, and Jerry purchased A & P’s old building, beginning a lifetime commitment to the grocery business and the community. In 1960, Jerry’s Central Market was small, employing only six people (including Jerry and Lillian). But, by offering friendly service, quality meat and produce, and later, the first hot deli chicken and ribs and fresh bakery product in the community, the store attracted an increasing number of customers. In 1977, Jerry’s expanded to a 10,200 square foot store on 80 acres on the west side of town. The store adopted its current name, Jerry’s Foodland. To help meet the increasing needs of its customers, Jerry’s Foodland became a member of Spartan Stores, Inc in 1986 and doubled its size to 20,000 square feet. This allowed for a large expansion of all departments. It also became the first business in Sandusky with electronic scanners. In 2003, Jerry’s again increased its size to the current 35,000 square foot super market. Jerry and Lillian still work in the store they started over 50 years ago, along with their son Ron, daughter Laurie, grandson Justin, and 80 associates. While there have been many changes at Jerry’s Foodland over the years, the company’s philosophy has not changed: “Provide the finest of service and freshest products to our customers at a fair price, and treat people like you want to be treated” says Jerry.