Coming to America

Family Owned with Pride

When Ben graduated from Columbia University in 1925 and Bill earned his degree from the University of Michigan in 1926, they entered the business with fresh ideas and energies. Shortly before his death in 1930, Lewis Golub merged his company with one owned by Joseph Grosberg so that his sons would be part of a larger, stronger firm.

On November 17, 1932, Ben and Bill opened the area's first "one stop shopping" outlet in Green Island, NY. Called the Public Service Market, the innovative store was the early ancestor of modern supermarkets. With the boldness that became a hallmark of the family, the brothers opened a second market in Watervliet, NY, a few months later.

The Public Service Market wasn't a grocery store in the traditional sense. It offered a bit of everything: groceries, meat, fresh produce, dry goods, clothing, a barber shop, cafeteria and more under one roof. Customers walked from one department to another carrying wicker baskets to fill with bargain-priced merchandise. After selecting groceries, shoppers took them to one of the checkers in a big square in the center of the store. Based on the success of this store, the future looked bright.

The Going Gets Tough

The year 1933 was a trying time in American history. Unemployment reached an all-time high, with more than 13 million Americans out of work. In the midst of this turmoil, the one-stop shopping concept launched by Ben and Bill Golub was quietly taking root in Schenectady, NY. In 1933, the first store carrying the Central Market name opened there. The name was chosen because the building was five minutes from the city's Central Park. The first Central Market was followed by the opening of others in Albany, North Troy, and Glens Falls, NY. The Central Market chain became known as the trendsetter among the area’s grocery businesses.

Innovations and Initiatives

As a sign of their commitment not just to communities but to the industry at large, Ben and Bill Golub met with other supermarket leaders in 1937 to forge a national association, the Supermarket Institute. Today, this organization is known as the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and each year draws 33,000 – 34,000 delegates to its annual convention. In 1943, "Mr. Ben" and "Mr. Bill," as the industry affectionately called them, bought out Joseph Grosberg to form the present Golub Corporation.

In 1951, Central Markets became one of the first grocery chains in the country to issue S&H Green Stamps. It was a daring step that became a great success. For shoppers, saving stamps became as exciting as saving money, and their enthusiasm resulted in a tremendous increase in business for the company. S&H Green Stamps soon became a household word as families filled their books to earn valuable household items. By the late 1950s, there were 25 Central Markets throughout Upstate New York and one in Massachusetts. New stores were opened in rapid succession, seven in 1963 and four more in 1965.

Modern Times, Modern Ideas

Throughout the 1960s, Central Markets kept pace with changing times by being receptive to the changing lifestyles and buying habits of the burgeoning population. In 1972, another enterprising, forward-thinking idea that became a cornerstone of the company was put in place. As an added convenience to its customers, Central Markets was now "Open 24 Hours a Day". As Bill Golub said at that time, "When you need something, no matter what the hour, you will be able to get it at Central Markets."

Offering families the best discounts remained a top priority for the company. As pricing became key to its success, Central Markets eliminated S&H Green Stamps, instead seeking ways to slash prices. Shortly after Ben's death in 1972 and exactly 40 years after the birth of the first store, the Golub Corporation opened an experimental store in Oneonta, NY. Amidst a recession and high inflation, they adopted a new name – Price Chopper – to reflect the new value-based pricing policy. In autumn 1973, the Golub Corporation closed its 21 Central Market stores all in one night and re-opened them the following morning as Price Chopper, a discount supermarket. Price Chopper was quickly embraced by communities and established itself as the area's low price, high quality operator.

Banner Years

The years 1975 and 1976 were times when great strides were made, including the grand opening of stores across New York, Vermont and Massachusetts. Innovation remained constant in Price Chopper's proliferation and success. In 1979, the first electronic checkout equipment was added in the Capital District of New York. The first Mini Chopper was opened in 1975 on New Scotland Avenue in Albany, NY, giving customers a convenient, fast way to pick up family foods and also a place to fill their gas tank. The company’s growth in the 1970s occurred under a new generation of leadership. Lewis, Ben's son, and Neil, Bill's son, followed the family tradition of learning the business from the bottom up, just as their fathers had. In 1982, stores expanded into Pennsylvania, and throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Price Chopper stores were opened at a rapid rate. After Bill Golub's death in 1992, the legacy of innovation, energy and caring for families and communities continued. Together, Lewis and Neil brought the company into the 21st century and continue with leadership and innovative thinking. Today, Lewis serves as the company's Chairman of the Board, and Neil serves as its Chief Executive Officer and President. Neil's wife Jane is Director of Vendor Programs.

Family Members Continue to Shape the Future

A new generation of Golubs has begun to help shape the company's destiny. Lewis Golub's son Jerry is Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising, and his son David is Vice President of Operations. Neil's daughter Mona serves as Vice President of Public Relations and Consumer Services and is the spokeswoman for the company.

Pharmacies, in-store scratch bakeries with artisan breads, custom-cut meat shops, seafood departments with a sushi offering, full-service floral, natural and organic products, a kosher store and Super Centers are just some of the recent Price Chopper innovations. Today, stores are operated in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Price Chopper's future is as promising as its distinguished past. From the earliest days of the last century to today, hard work and caring about customers has made the difference. Price Chopper is pleased to be continuing the mission of its founder, Lewis Golub, and to honor his memory in this, their 75th anniversary year.