A Trip To The Oldest Grocery Store In Missouri Is Like Stepping Back In Time
By Liz Oliver|Published May 26, 2018
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
Visiting small, locally owned businesses can tell you a lot about the neighborhoods these shops serve. Like much of America, small neighborhood markets have largely disappeared after big box, discount stores moved into the area. However, one city market in Missouri has been in operation for over 100 years. Take a trip to the oldest grocery store in Missouri and take a step back in time.
In 2012, Vincent's Market cerebrated 100 years of business. This little neighborhood market has been loved by multiple generations of local St. Louisians.
Vincent Hromadka immigrated to St. Louis from Bohemia. While living in St. Louis Vincent worked at a meat packing plant. However, he diceded to quit his job and open his own butcher and market in 1912 at S. 11th and Emmet St. in Soulard.
Vincent's Market moved locations over the years. In 1958 they were located at 1102 Park Ave., just a few miles from their present location. James Earl Ray was serving time in the Missouri State Penitentiary for robbing Vincent's Market and a local Kroger store, when he escaped in 1967.
The market has been at its present day location, at the corner of 12th and Barton St. The store is still owned by Vincent IV with his sons David and Steven.
One of the best parts about Vincent's Market is their commitment to local products. YOu can find all of the best St. Louis products from pizza to pickles at the market. Check them out if you need to bring home some edible souvenirs for family and friends.
