A Corridor Store Celebrated 75 Years in Business in 2023

In recent years, it seems like a lot of businesses and restaurants have been closing their doors. That's why its especially impressive when a business celebrates their 75th anniversary. According to a recent article from the Iowa City Press Citizen, an Iowa City business did just that!

Located at 401 E. Market Street, John's Grocery first opened its doors back in 1948, which means it turned 75-years-old earlier this year. As it turns out, the building John's Grocery is located in has been around even longer than the business! According to their official website, the building was constructed back in 1848 and has been "a grocery store, an apartment building, a saloon, a barbershop, a fire station, office space, and even a factory for the Ernste Manufacturing Company."

John's Grocery was originally owned by John and Erma Alberhasky, followed by their son Bill Alberhasky. Now, the business is run by Bill's son Doug Alberhasky. A 2022 article from This is Iowa says that Doug has been working at the store since he was only six! He told the Iowa City Press Citizen, "When my grandparents opened, there were 28 other family-owned corner groceries in Iowa City, and we're the last one."

John's Grocery is obviously a grocery store, but it is also described as a "purveyor of craft and import beer, fine wine, and world-class liquor." They even offer drink catering for weddings and other special events! You can read more about that HERE.

John's Grocery celebrated its anniversary back in late May with a huge parking lot party. They will also host a 75th anniversary open house next Wednesday, December 6th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature samples from 20 different wineries, breweries, and distilleries, plus a bourbon raffle, giveaways, and snacks. Check out the official Facebook event listing HERE.