Fisher Foods, Inc. stands as a significant name in Cleveland’s retail history, marking its place as a major food retailer. The journey began in February 1907 with the establishment of Fisher Bros. Co. by three New York grocers: Manning F. and Charles Fisher, along with Joseph Salmon. Their first grocery store opened its doors at the intersection of W. 47th St. and Lorain Ave, laying the foundation for what would become a prominent regional chain. The company officially incorporated in 1908, setting the stage for expansion and innovation in the grocery sector.
By 1916, Fisher Bros. Co. had expanded impressively, operating 48 stores throughout Cleveland. This growth necessitated a larger infrastructure, leading to the construction of a new warehouse and bakery at 2323 Lakeside Ave. A pivotal move during this period was the introduction of the cash-and-carry system. This innovative approach significantly reduced prices, attracting more customers and substantially boosting the company’s business volume. By 1928, Fisher Bros. Co. had become a major player in northern Ohio, boasting 323 stores and an impressive $18 million in sales. Continuing their forward-thinking approach, Fisher Bros. opened its first self-service “master market” in 1937, adapting to evolving consumer preferences and shopping habits.
The year 1961 marked a name change to Fisher Foods, Inc., reflecting the operational changes and growth of the company beyond its initial scope. Up until the 1960s, Fisher Foods held the position as the largest retail food distributor in Cleveland. However, the latter part of the decade saw a shift as sales and market share began to decline, signaling a challenging period for the established grocery chain.
In 1965, Fisher Foods underwent a significant transition when it was acquired by a group of local grocery executives. This group included prominent figures in the Cleveland grocery scene: Carl and John Fazio, Sam Costa, and Julius (Julie) Kravitz. Within a year, these new owners successfully revitalized the company, leveraging the well-regarded Fazio store name to turn its fortunes around. In 1968, Fisher Foods relocated its headquarters to Bedford Heights, initiating an ambitious acquisition strategy. This expansion drive led to the purchase of grocery stores across the Midwest and California, propelling Fisher Foods to become the second-fastest-growing supermarket chain nationwide.
However, this rapid diversification had unintended consequences. By the mid-1970s, the focus on expansion led to a weakening of its core supermarket business in Cleveland. This downturn prompted the departure of Kravitz and Costa from the company. In an effort to reclaim market share in Cleveland from competitors like Pick-N-Pay and Stop-N-Shop, the Fazios initiated a significant “price war” in 1977. This aggressive pricing strategy, however, resulted in legal repercussions. In 1982, Fisher Foods, along with Pick-N-Pay and Stop-N-Shop, faced charges of price-fixing and were mandated to provide restitution to affected customers in the area.
The ownership of Fisher Foods changed again in 1984 when the American Financial Corp. of Cincinnati gained control from the Fazio family. A further shift occurred three years later in 1987 when American Seaway and the Rini-Rego Stop-N-Shop chain jointly purchased 44% of Fisher Foods. Following this acquisition, the Fazio’s stores were either closed down or integrated into the Rini-Rego’s Stop-N-Shop network, marking the end of an era for the Fisher Foods brand as an independent entity in the Cleveland grocery market.
