October is here and it’s a wonderful time for fall festivals, football games and marveling at nature’s autumn colors. At Strack & Van Til, October is also anniversary month, and this year the grocer is marking 92 years in business. To celebrate the momentous occasion, the company is featuring a 92nd Anniversary Giveaway from Oct. 6-Nov. 2.
Enter to win great prizes, such as Yeti coolers, an Apple iWatch, Traeger Grill, and 65” TVs by using your Strack & Van Til Rewards Account when you shop. Winners will be randomly selected from all individuals with an active Strack & Van Til Rewards account during the weekly sales period. Not yet a member of the Strack & Van Til Rewards program? Visit strackandvantil.com or download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and create your account. Enter your phone number at the register when you check out or show your barcode in the app to enjoy your personal savings and participate in the giveaway.
Strack & Van Til is pleased to offer this giveaway in honor of its long and proud heritage. Ernie Strack was born in Germany in 1904 and came to the U.S. in 1927, landing his first job as a farmer’s helper in St. Louis. One year later, he was hired to sweep the back rooms of a Kroger grocery store in Gary and worked his way up to store manager within four months, while he was still learning to speak English. In 1929 Ernie Strack and a partner opened the Royal Blue grocery store in downtown Griffith, a partnership lasted until 1943. In 1946, Strack built an additional store.
Nick Van Til was born in Griffith in 1912. His entry into the grocery business was as a stock boy in 1936, where he rose through the ranks and eventually bought out his employer. In 1954, Nick Van Til incorporated Van Til Supermarkets Inc. and grew the business by adding product lines and earlier hours.
Drawn together by a common ambition to create a more exciting shopping experience for customers Ernie and Nick joined forces in 1959 to create Strack & Van Til. Inspired by the idea of creating a modern supermarket, they acquired 10 acres in Highland to build their dream, and more store openings followed. Today, the Highland-based grocery chain operates 20 Strack & Van Til stores, a cornerstone of communities throughout Northwest Indiana.
From the beginning, Strack & Van Til’s growth and success have remained rooted in the philosophy and principles of their founders: The belief in working hard to make sure all customers are completely satisfied as well as a commitment to delivering value every day on the finest quality groceries, perishables and freshly prepared foods. The importance of family and commitment to community, satisfied customers and great employees have remained the keys to achieving the company’s goals. These values have made Strack & Van Til the leading grocery chain in Northwest Indiana.
“Each day we show our gratitude by being friendly and kind, by working hard and being loyal to our mission of making Strack & Van Til a great place to work and shop,” says Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer Michael Tyson. “Please stop by one of our stores during October to help us celebrate and be sure to enter our 92nd Anniversary Giveaway.”