Who Are The Most Iconic Grocery Stores in Michigan?

Going to the grocery store can be a real trip. Seriously, shopping for food, household supplies, paper products and so much more is either fun or a pain.

But you know what, not only is it an experience, but it can be social as well. I know when I shop at my favorite store I'm always running into people I know and a trip for bread and milk may take an hour!

👇 BELOW: WHAT WE DON'T LIKE ABOUT TODAY'S GROCERY STORES! 👇

We all have our favorite places to shop, but in an article on the website My Family Traveles.com, they listed what are considered the most iconic grocery stores in Michigan that mean the most to our communities. Surprisingly, all but one on the list aren't who you would think of.

8. B and C Grocery Building - Royal Oak

"Royal Oak’s B and C Grocery Building, although not in business anymore, is as much about architecture as it is about groceries. This landmark, built in the 1940s, features striking Art Deco details and holds a special place in retail history as an early adopter of the supermarket model."

7. Ypsilanti Food Co-op

"Ypsilanti Food Co-op is more than a market; it’s a gathering place for people invested in sustainable living and local economies."

6. Argus Farm Stop - Ann Arbor

"The store’s welcoming atmosphere and community programs reinforce its role as a hub for food education and sustainability. Argus Farm Stop serves as a model for local sourcing and partnership."

5. Angeli Foods - Iron River

"Though Angeli Foods closed in 2022 after 105 years in Iron River, its role as a pioneer in Upper Peninsula grocery retail remains unmatched. Innovations like self-service aisles and frozen food lockers set standards still seen today."

4. Benton Harbor Fruit Market

"Early risers in Southwest Michigan know the Benton Harbor Fruit Market as a seasonal hub where local agriculture takes center stage. Established in 1860, the market has served as a vital connection between area growers and consumers for over a century."

3. Sawall Health Foods

"Long before organic labels appeared in major chains, Sawall Health Foods in Kalamazoo was advocating for nutritious, naturally sourced foods. Founded in 1936, this family-owned business is the oldest continuously operated natural foods store in the country."

2. Doud’s Market

"Walking down the streets of Mackinac Island, it’s hard to miss the inviting charm of Doud’s Market. Established in 1884, Doud’s is recognized as the oldest continuously operated grocery store in the United States."

1. Meijer

"Few names in Michigan retail evoke the feeling of local pride quite like Meijer. Founded in 1934 by Hendrik Meijer in Greenville, the chain is widely credited with inventing the supercenter concept."