John Zupan
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John Zupan (c. 1945–August 29, 2011) was the founder of an American independent grocery store chain called Zupan's Markets in Oregon.[1][2] Established in 1975, the store continues to operate in Portland nearly 50 years later, operated by his son, Mike Zupan.[3]
Career
[edit]He started working in the produce business at age 16, as a produce clerk at Sheridan Fruit Company, Inc., in Southeast Portland,[4] followed by Corno's Food Market.[1] For 11 years, he worked at Fred Meyer, eventually serving as produce district manager, and worked personally with eponymous grocer Fred G. Meyer, a major influence.[1]
At age 30, Zupan and his coworker Chuck Gaylord bought Zim's grocery store near Gresham, Oregon.[1] After selling his share of the business, Zupan went on to operate ThriftWay and Food Pavilion stores, before finally opening his first Zupan's Market in Burnside.[1] He opened his fourth Zupan's Market store in Raleigh Hills in 1996.[4] At the time, Zupan's Markets was an Oregon corporation with administrative offices in Washington.[4] Zupan was well known for his unique skill in presenting fresh produce to consumers.[1]
Zupan handed his business over to his son Michael in 2000, although he remained involved in the business.[1] Even after his son took the helm, the stores were designed not to distract from fresh food.[5] At the time of his death in 2011, the store was known as an upscale gourmet grocery store chain.[1]
Personal life and legacy
[edit]Zupan's hobby was vintage cars and motorcycles.[4] For many years, Zupan's Markets sponsored an annual vintage car race on Portland International Speedway.[4] He was also part owner of an indoor soccer team.[4]
In 2011, John Zupan died aged 66 in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident.[1][2] When he died, Ron McKnight, former president of the Northwest Grocers Association, called him "a grocery store maverick, an innovator, a visionary".[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Gunderson, Laura (September 1, 2011). "John Zupan, Portland grocery 'maverick,' dies at 66". The Oregonian. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
- ^ a b "OBITUARIES". Supermarket News. Vol. 59, no. 36. September 5, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2024 – via Gale General OneFile.
- ^ "About". Zupan's Markets. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Rose, Michael (December 13, 1996). "John Zupan runs grocery business at full throttle". Portland Business Journal. Archived from the original on May 24, 2009. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
- ^ Fehrenbacher, Gretchen (June 15, 2003). "Fresh Thinking: Michael Zupan takes his parents' Vancouver-based grocery chain to new level". The Columbian. Retrieved March 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.