History of Hy-Vee

The Midwest grocery store chain known today as Hy-Vee, Inc., started in Beaconsfield in 1930.  Charles Hyde and David Vredenburg already had separately owned or managed several stores in Iowa and Missouri before starting their partnership's first store, in Beaconsfield, Iowa, that sold groceries and dry goods such as clothing.

For a few years both founders continued to run separate stores and stores with other partners, while also running some stores together.

However, in 1934 these general stores with such names as The Supply Stores, Hyde Service Store, and Vredenburg Grocery began selling only groceries.

They incorporated in 1938 and adopted the Hy-Vee name in 1952. It was a combination of their last names.

The new identity chose Dwight Vredenburg, 23 year old son of David Vredenburg, as its president. Its 1938 annual sales were about $1.5 million. By the end of 11939, there were 23 stores of Hy-Vee.

In the 1970s Hy-Vee continued to grow by opening new stores, building more warehouse space, and adding new technology. A 1971 addition of 78,000 square feet brought the total capacity of the Chariton warehouse up to 430,000 square feet.

Hy-Vee entered the Kansas City in 1988 and in 1997, purchased seven former Shmucks Markets to convert to Hy-Vee.
History of Hy-Vee