Headquarters Indiana, United States CEO Jeff Strack (May 2016–) | Website strackandvantil.com Number of locations 38 Founded 1959 | |
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Key people Jeff Strack, President/CEOPhil Latchford, CFOMichael Tyson, CMO Products Grocery, Dairy, Frozen, Organic, Produce, Deli, Meat, Bakery, Floral, Alcohol, General merchandise Parent organization Central Grocers Cooperative Profiles | ||
Strack & Van Til is a grocery store chain and subsidiary of Central Grocers Cooperative with locations in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area, Illinois. Stores operate under the banners of Strack & Van Til, Ultra Foods, and Town & Country Food Market.
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Founding
In 1930, Meinhard Nissen and Ernie Strack opened the Royal Blue grocery store in downtown Griffith, Indiana. Their partnership lasted until 1943. In 1946, Strack built an additional store. In 1936, Nick Van Til, a grocery delivery boy, entered into a partnership with his employer. His partner later sold him the store. Van Til grew the business by adding many product lines and opening earlier in the day. In October 1960 Ernie Strack and Nick Van Til partnered and opened their first Strack & Van Til in Highland, Indiana. Strack & Van Til has grown to be one of the leading grocery chains in the Chicago metropolitan area
Expansion
By 2012, the chain reached 30 stores. On November 27, 2012 it was announced that Strack & Van Til would purchase seven stores from WiseWay Supermarkets. WiseWay Supermarkets started in Gary, Indiana in 1940. Before the acquisition it operated eight stores in the region under the name WiseWay and PayLow. WiseWay Supermarkets retained ownership of one store located in Winfield, Indiana. Both WiseWay and Strack's are supplied by Central Grocers Cooperative. WiseWay stores in Chesterton, Hobart and Valparaiso were rebranded as Strack & Van Til, while PayLow stores in Gary and Merrillville were rebranded as Ultra Foods. As a result of the acquisition, one Ultra Foods location was closed. It was located across from one of the acquired stores. By 2014, the chain had 38 stores.