Our History
Our company has been in the grocery business for over 82 years and spans four generations of family grocers. Our history began in 1942 when George and Pearl Teal opened a Red Owl grocery store in Cass Lake, Minnesota.
Before moving to Cass Lake, George’s introduction to the grocery business started in International Falls, Minnesota where he worked for the Red Owl Corporation for 12 years. During this time he and his wife, Pearl, who ran a resort, saved $2500 which they used to buy the inventory and pay the first year’s rent. George and Pearl grew the business on the philosophy of running an efficient operation with a strong focus on the needs of the customer.
In 1953, the Red Owl store changed wholesalers to SuperValu and the store took the name of Teal’s Super Market. George and Pearl’s son, Fred, started working in the store as a boy, as well as their daughters Pat and Brenda. Fred joined his father full-time in the business in 1960. They worked together for seven years before George retired.
“We have to give credit to our customers,” Fred says, “They have been very loyal to us and we appreciate it.”
In the 1970’s the business expanded to include stores in Fargo and East Grand Forks. Fred and Connie’s children, Wendy, Laurel, Roger, Marcia, and Janet, grew up working in the store as well. Roger joined the family business in 1980 after attending a supermarket management program in Moorhead. The Grand Forks and Fargo locations were sold in the 1980’s.
The business has expanded to include ten more locations since 1990: Fiesta Foods in Lake City Minnesota (1990); Sisseton, South Dakota (1992); Cold Spring, Minnesota (1998); Paynesville, Minnesota (2001); Lisbon and Gwinner, North Dakota (2003); Milaca and Isle, Minnesota (2005); and Spicer, Minnesota (2013); and Albany, Minnesota (2014).
“We believe customer service is the key to success,” says Roger.
Roger and Cheryl’s children, Andrea, Jennifer, Cassandra, and Amber, also grew up working in the stores. All four daughters joined the family business full-time after finishing college.
In 2009, we began to transition wholesalers from SuperValu to Nash Finch. Our stores also underwent a name change and became Teal’s Market. Our stores currently employ about 800 employees in three states. We are committed to serving the customers and communities that we are located in. Our continued goal is to provide a friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable employees, quality products, and competitive prices.
Giving Back
1% Receipt Rebate Program – Our 1% Rebate Program is an easy way for local non-profits to earn money for their organizations. Simply shop at Teal’s Market and earn 1% back on all your qualifying purchases which will be donated to your non-profit organization. See the store manager at any Teal’s Market for specific details on how the program works.
Labels For Learning – By buying your favorite Our Family brand products – and saving the UPC barcodes from those cans, boxes and bottles – you can help schools, faith-based and other community organizations earn money for textbooks, art supplies and more. Learn more!
Membership Level: General Member
Categories: Grocery
